17 Jun 2018

Assistant Minister of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology, Mr Fidelis Molao has commended Botho University for commitment in providing quality higher education as evidenced by huge investment in infrastructure and staff development.

Giving a keynote address during Botho University 20^th graduation ceremony in Gaborone recently, Mr Molao pointed out that the institution invested over P250 million in developing infrastructure at both Gaborone and Francistown campuses, resulting in capacity accommodating about 7 600 students.

Mr Molao added that with the capacity and the type of programmes offered, the university should consider marketing itself regionally and even internationally, noting that government sponsored students would not fill the capacity of the university.

The assistant minister noted that a lot of students qualified for admission at universities but fell by the wayside because government could not sponsor 

He urged the private sector to offer scholarships to performing students, adding that parents who were able to pay for their children should also take the responsibility as it was clear that government alone could not do it.

Mr Molao classified higher education institutions as arenas where students pursued their socialisation, acquired and developed a range of knowledge, skills, attitudes and attributes that affected the way they acted in and engaged society.

He said higher education should not prepare students for jobs that might be on offer but stimulate them to see the possibilities for innovation.

The assistant minister expressed gratitude over the institution running an entrepreneurial laboratory meant to mentor students into business, noting that the institution also had an entrepreneur module as part of the curriculum offered to develop some business acumen in students while still in school.

He noted that the ministry was mandated to transform the country from a resource based to a knowledge based economy, adding that the dream could be achieved through provision of quality education, research and innovation efforts by tertiary institutions and research institutes.

Government, he said, spent billions in tertiary education. He added that universities, both public and private, should ensure provision of quality education by conducting research to enhance transformation.

Mr Molao encouraged graduates to serve communities, the country and the world with diligence, commitment and humility.

In her welcome remarks, Botho University Vice Chancellor, Ms Sheela Ram noted that the graduation came at a time when academic achievement alone would not guarantee success.

She urged the graduates to be focused on developing the 21^st century work skills, communication, adaptability and critical thinking.

Ms Ram said she was confident that she would see most of the graduates as successful leaders not just in the country but internationally.

She urged them to be ethical, positive and confident in work and to be socially responsible thus keeping the spirit of Botho.

The university announced its 2^nd AAT training provider award after winning the same award in 2014. Ends