Over 3 000 students graduate
09 Oct 2016
A total of 3 220 students have graduated with Degrees, Diplomas and Certificates from the University of Botswana (UB) and the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Twenty-one of those graduated with Degrees of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD, seven with Degrees of Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and 195 with Masters Degrees.
Speaking during the 34th UB Graduation Ceremony held at the UB Stadium on Saturday, First National Bank Botswana chief executive officer, Mr Stephen Bogatsu urged UB graduates to use knowledge acquired during their studies to develop innovative ideas that can create opportunities for themselves.
He reminded graduates that they had completed their studies at a time when employment opportunities were scarce in government and the private sector.
Therefore, he asked them to be innovative and utilise government’s youth empowerment programmes to create economic opportunities.
Unlike in the past, he said, today’s graduates were expected to be innovative and become entrepreneurs.
“There are a number of initiatives that government has put in place in order to assist young people to play their rightful part in the economy. These include support for their education, providing access to finance through CEDA, Young Farmers Fund and other initiatives,” he said.
Mr Bogatsu said platforms had been created for the youth and it was up to them to use take advantage of those opportunities.
“You have access to facilities that can enable you to be competitive. You have access to markets that are beyond our borders. You are truly global,” he said, urging them to seize opportunities that are available to them.
He said UB has produced some of the best brains in Botswana in a variety of sectors.
Meanwhile, the university’s Valedictorian Honour, given to a student who has demonstrated overall academic excellence and leadership qualities, was awarded to Mr Mohammed Dada who graduated from Bachelor of Finance degree with a perfect Cumulative Grade Point Average of five.
“Mohammed has demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities within and outside academia. At UB he assisted some of his classmates with academic material covered. He served as member of the Islamic Society of UB whose aim is to spread knowledge of Islam, improve understanding between the different faiths and undertake projects to improve the wellbeing of communities across Botswana,” said deputy vice chancellor- finance and administration, Mr Mendel Nlanda.
Mohammed said he was grateful to God, his parents and the university staff for giving him strength to excel in his studies.
ENDS
Source : BOPA
Author : Jeremiah Sejabosigo
Location : GABORONE
Event : Graduation ceremony
Date : 09 Oct 2016
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