03 Mar 2016

Professor Otlogetswe Totolo has been appointed the new vice chancellor for Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST).

Professor Totolo resumed duty on March 1 taking over from Professor John Cooke who has been acting on the post since the resignation of Prof. Hillary Inyang.

Speaking during the meeting with Heads of Ministry of Education and Skills Development meeting parastatals held in Palapye on Wednesday March 2, Prof. Totolo said he has been given an honour and priviledge to be the next BIUST Vice Chancellor.

He said he will do his level best to execute this national duty by taking BIUST to greater heights.

Professor Totolo is a renowned environmental scientist and is bringing invaluable wealth of experience in academia having held senior academic positions at the University of Botswana, where he served as deputy vice chancellor (Academic Affairs) and Professor of Environmental Science (Soil Science).

He previously held various key positions of director of Centre of Scientific Research Indigenous Knowledge and Innovation, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Head of Environmental Science.

Professor Totolo further said said the nation has high expectations on BIUST, adding that BIUST is expected to make a difference and contribute towards diversification of the economy.

He said therefore BIUST should be at the fore-front by coming up with a product that will change the lives of the people.

“If we don't meet this expectation, we will be failing the nation,” he said.”

Professor Totolo obtained a Bachelor of Science degree and Post Graduate at UB, Master of Science at the University of Reading in UK, Doctor of Philosophy Degree at the University of London.

He published widely in publication outlets of international repute, Botswana Journal of Technology and International Journal of Environmental and Applied Science.

Professor Totolo has contributed immensely to industry and the science profession, having served in governing bodies of many organisations that include Botswana Technology Centre, Rural Industries Promotions Companies, Environmental Heritage Foundation, Somarelang Tikologo, Botswana Institute for Technology Research and Innovation, as Chairman and he is the Deputy Chairman of the Botswana UNESCO Chapter.

Professor Totolo's vision for BIUST is guided by strategic planning that is aligned to the National Vision 2016, National Development Plan 11, as well as the Millenium Development Goals and beyond 2015.

Therefore he envisions a BIUST which lives up to its mission, vision and strategic as a premier research university, proper governance through the right policies that should drive quality service delivery, academic quality and student reputation, research and innovation excellence and institutional engagement for development  with key stakeholders and an environment that is conducive for students and staff to succeed. Ends