27 Sep 2020

University of Botswana intends to transform into a world class institution that fosters competitiveness, unrestrained scientific inquiry, critical thinking, innovation and creativity.   

Launching the university’s new strategy on September 25, Vice Chancellor Professor David Norris said the institution was in a transition phase and was aiming to make a greater inpact on society.

He added that the new startegy would also assist government achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and transform the country into a knowledge-based economy.

Prof. Norris said the theme of the new strategy: Creating a future for the knowledge generation (2020-2029), would enable the university to play a pivotal role in the transition as knowledge and technology transfers were driven by institutions of higher learning.

Prof. Norris said UB was compelled to play a pivotal role in the transition of the country from a resource to a knowledge-based economy.

He said the university should, in contributing to the transition, provide a comprehensive portfolio of accredited academic programmes that embraced all the major knowledge domain by producing employable graduates with relevant knowledge, skills and competencies.

“We must address the human resource needs of an inclusive based society which promotes the development of the family, the community and the nation at large, and prioritises human and spiritual well-being, culture and social inclusion, improve societal outcomes, social integration, democratic and social values,” he said.

Prof Norris also promised that UB would maximise research.

He added that they would also  ensure that staff and graduates drove the country’s transformation and utilised the transfer and application of its knowledge resources and capability to deliver economic and social benefits to Batswana and external stakeholders.

Furthermore, he said through its sustainable development strategic driver, the university would play a major role in ensuring that the country met the SDG’s.

Prof. Norris said the university  also aspired to sustain itself than relying on government’s support. He added that they also strived to be technologically driven and to reach many people through online programmes as well as remote teaching.

He reiterated the university’s goal  to produce well rounded graduates, create and deliver high quality applied research and innovation, enhance economic and societal engagements, maximise revenue and investments for the sustainable growth of the institution.

“Research and innovation is going to be central in whatever we do. To strengthen research and innovation, we are going to enhance linkages within industries not only in Botswana, but everywhere in the world. We are going to forge international partnerships and apply it with stakeholders to influence academic programmes and development of new planning opportunities,” Prof. Norris explained.

He said the university also intended to nature and grow a community of innovators by establishing research centres. ENDS