21 Mar 2018

Parliament has learnt that DDT College of Medicine is currently looking for additional space to address congestion at the college.

Minister of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology, Dr Alfred Madigele said this in response to a parliamentary question on Tuesday.

“If the situation does not improve before the next sponsorship cycle, the ministry may have no choice but not to sponsor new students at the college,” he said.

Dr Madigele further explained that his ministry had confirmed that there was limited space at the college particularly during examinations and that both his ministry and college were in the process of acquiring additional space to accommodate the students as it was evident of the crowding in the college.

He mentioned that Botswana Qualifications Authority (BQA) investigations had established that indeed the college has six toilets.

“We have engaged Gaborone City Council to conduct a health and safety inspection at the college and provide a report to enable them to take further action,” the minister said.

He was answering a question from MP Haskins Nkaigwa of Gaborone North who had asked him if he was aware that despite the lack of teaching space at DDT College of Medicine, the institution continued to be allocated students annually and how students were expected to learn in a crowded environment.

He was also asked if he was aware of complaints from students since 2015 with regard lack of learning space and congestion.

In addition, MP Nkaigwa asked the minister if he was also aware that there were only six toilets for over 500 students and poor conditions at classes that have no projectors, air-conditioners and a computer room that had never served the students. ENDS