28 Nov 2021

The 2021  University of Botswana (UB) graduates have been told that the  positive attitude that led to their achievement is the same spirit that will see Botswana achieve its transformational agenda.

 Speaking during the 39th UB  graduation  ceremony and inauguration of its chancellor Ms Tebelelo Seretse in Gaborone Friday, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi said the skills and knowledge they had acquired were also what Botswana needed to drive the economy.

 President Masisi said the graduates’ active participation in the economy would help realize the national development agenda to transform Botswana from a resource to knowledge-based economy. 

He implored them to stay focused to overcome challenges they were likely to face  compounded by COVID-19 which had negatively affected the economy’s performance and aggravated youth unemployment.

“My government is exploring avenues to create jobs particularly for the youth,” he said. 

In her acceptance speech, the university’s 6th chancellor Ms Seretse said UB was challenged to modernize teaching methods in order for learners to become more diverse and well rounded self-managing professionals. 

Today’s economic growth, she said, greatly depended on the ability to meet global demands, therefore, the university was expected to gear up for powering Botswana’s long anticipated human capital based economy. 

She said she accepted her appointment mindful of the fact that it required a versatile, practical, resilient and disciplined person. 

“I accept this as a challenge and I commit to take the university to a higher standing globally,” she said.

The appointment of Botswana’s former ambassador to the United States, MP and cabinet minister follows the demise earlier this year of UB’s first female chancellor, Ms Linah Mohohlo. 

The graduation was held under the theme; “Resilence through challenges.”ENDS