10 Dec 2017

Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN) will in future introduce online learning courses.

Acting deputy vice chancellor at BUAN, Professor Rejoice Tsheko said this in response to Councillor Thomas Kgethenyane of Kumaga-Moremaoto, who had wanted to know if there were any plans to cater for those with interest to study with the university but could not manage on fulltime basis.

Prof. Tsheko, who had earlier made a presentation at Central District Council meeting, explained that the university was in the process of considering the model of e-learning to cater for distance learning.

He said the institution started with one faculty and it was now transforming to multi faculties as it currently has six academic departments.

Prof Tsheko said some challenges they were faced with such as the physical expansion of the university, which required funding had affected delivery of their academic mandate.

“We have requested for funding from government so as to expand and build laboratories and equip teaching and research facilities such as, library and classrooms. Our plan is to increase courses and as such we need more laboratories,” he said.

He also noted that they were making efforts to modernise the teaching environment through the use of technology, which also required more funding.

“More research funding is needed to carry out research and address relevant areas needed for the improvement of agriculture in Botswana. If such are available, we will in turn be able to fund graduate student researches,” he said.

Prof. Tsheko also informed councillors that they were aware of the delays in provision of results analysis for soil testing, which was done to assist farmers.

He said to reduce the delays they will in future follow modern ways of testing through provision of instant results.

He also noted that they have collaborated with BUIST as they also have some of their students enrolled with the university and he expressed hope for growth in the partnership. ENDS