04 Mar 2018

It is important to equip engineering and technology students with the necessary skills that will enable them to be the best engineers when they graduate.

Speaking at an enriching engineering education workshop recently, University of Botswana  (UB) deputy vice chancellor, Professor David Sebudubudu said the university was concerned with the quality of education.

As a result, he said it intends to come up with ways of enriching engineering technology.

“We are here to make a difference and we want to produce graduates who will come up with solutions to problems that the society faces on a daily basis,” he said.

For his part, Dr Sebusang Sebusang, who is the coordinator for Enhancing Engineering Education Programme (EEEP) at UB said EEEP’s project objectives included engaging professionals in providing guest lectures, seminars and professional development programmes, forging successful partnerships with industry and other engineering institutions, nationally and regionally to promote knowledge sharing.

Dr Sebusang explained that Royal Academy Engineering had sponsored EEEP with P1.8 million.

He noted that it was a two-year programme that would give engineering students an opportunity to come up with solutions to problems faced by the society. 

Since the implementation of the programme, he said there had been an increased interaction with the industry adding that the institution had secured industrial placement for its staff while eight guest seminars were held.

For his part, Royal Academy of Engineering representative, Mr Keith Carter said the academy had committed funding and working with African partners until at least 2021.

Also, he said the academy had increased its opportunities for African partners to apply for funding and support with seven programmes currently eligible for African applicants.

“The academy is working to support sustainable projects with emphasis on increasing diversity within engineering so as to produce well rounded engineers who are also innovative,” he said. ENDS