28 Feb 2021

The University of Botswana (UB) recently received a donation of 462 mobile devices, tablets and specialised assistive devices for students living with disabilities worth P750 000 from the University of Botswana Foundation and Motor Centre Botswana.

Speaking during the awarding ceremony, Minister of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology, Dr Douglas Letsholathebe said the initiative was a commendable gesture from the UB Foundation and Motor Centre Group.

He stated that the handover arrived at an opportune time since the advent of COVID-19 forced countries globally to be innovative, inventive and find unique solutions to new problems and challenges, ushered by the pandemic.

“My government thorough the last budget speech, committed that in responding decisively to the adverse economic effects of COVID-19, projects have been identified to expedite the digital transition, which includes the improvement of education outcomes,” he said.

The minister advised the recipients to apply themselves so that they could ultimately benefit the nation as a whole.

For his part, UB vice chancellor, Professor David Norris said the donation would assist the institution promote online learning and enhance students’ access and application during the trying period of COVID-19.

“The education sector is moving towards digitisation, as we notice a high number of online courses being developed and UB will not be left behind,” he said.

UB Foundation awarded 22 scholarships to deserving students to undertake Master’s Degree programmes at the institution. Ends