20 Feb 2017

Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) chancellor Dr Festus Mogae has contributed P1million towards the Chancellor’s prize.

Dr Mogae said during the BIUST graduation ceremony over the weekend that the prize would be administered by the vice chancellor and spread evenly for the next 50 years at P20 000 per occasion.

It will be given to a student who has attained the best overall grades.

The prize, he said was intended to promote and encourage academic excellence among BIUST students.

The first recipient of the Chancellor’s award Mr Mwanza Masuzyo said in an interview that the prize came as a big surprise as he got to learn about it when Dr Mogae announced during the graduation ceremony.

Mr Mwanza graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Science with a double major in Mathematics and Statistics.

He also received an award for Best Student in a multidisciplinary programme.

“I have always loved science and for this reason I decided to study at BIUST for my fist degree,” he said.

He said he will use the prize money to pursue his Master’s degree, adding that he would like to do a Master of Science in Finance.

He said his dream is to work in the stock market and help grow the economy of the country.

Mr Mwanza attained 47 points in his BGCSE with an A* grades in Physics and Mathematics as well as an A in Biology and B in Chemistry.

He said he made it at the university because of team spirit, having worked with fellow students and lecturers.

He said students should not fear science and mathematics as the two subjects were very critical in the development of the country.

He said they should not let fear stand on their way and pursue a science or engineering career.

Other students who received the awards are Segametsi Sono, Oratile Ramaribana who received Best student in the department of Earth and Environmental Science and Best in the Department of Mathematics and Statistical Sciences awards respectively.

A total of 58 students graduated from various disciplines, seven of which were Masters students. BOPA