21 Aug 2018

University of Botswana (UB) acting vice chancellor, Professor David Sebudubudu says graduate research has the potential to unlock economic, social and intellectual wealth. 

Addressing UB first year students of the new academic year in Gaborone recently, Professor Sebudubudu said enrolling graduate students contributed to the development of human capital in Botswana.

He said it also unlocked the potential of individuals in terms of creativity and innovation and therefore could contribute to the competitiveness of Botswana in the region and globally.

“Africa still has major challenges in developing her potential in terms of Science and Technology. However, with more young Africans going to research and graduate studies, this gap could be bridged,” he said.

He urged students to publish their research outputs during the course of their study at UB.

“We recall the importance of the Vision 2016 pillar as a rallying call to Batswana to have a stake in the development of an Educated and Informed Nation. We also celebrate the fact that as a national institution with an international outlook, UB has brought forth the best minds and skills globally to ensure that learners in particular, have the best to attain the goals of Vision 2036,” Professor Sebudubudu said.

He said all countries needed skilled professionals who could play a decisive role in the socio-economic transformation of their countries, adding human capital and educational skills developmentwere the two thematic areas of the national Vision 2036, emphasising that UB was an institution through which the national vision could be achieved.

Prof. Sebudubudu said UB was committed to internationalisation of education, adding that as a premier higher education institution in Botswana, it was the connecting hub for Botswana and the world.

“We will assist you in sharpening your skills to think locally whilst acting globally,” he said, adding that UB would prepare the students for participation in a wider global discourse of science and development.

He said the fact that they had chosen to study at UB, showed that they had trust in the quality of service and programmes that it delivered, assuring them that the university woiuld not fail them.

Prof. Sebudubudu added that the assurance was derived from the vision of the university: Leading academic centre of excellence in Africa and in the world, urging students to make every effort to ensure the vision was achieved. ENDS