11 Jul 2023

The University of Botswana (UB) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with two Russian universities: the Perm State Humanitarian Pedagogical University (PSHPU) and Biotechnology University in Russia to collaborate in the faculties of education, humanities and science.

Speaking at the signing of the MoUs, UB Vice Chancellor, Prof David Norris said the university was driven by a desire to impact on society.

“Impact on the society is paramount to us. You only have impact through research and innovation,” Prof Norris said.

He said academic research must contribute to a country’s development, a reality that was still gaining ground in Botswana. Expressing concern at the unsatisfactory success rate at local public schools, Prof Norris said UB should assist government to redress the situation.

“What we realise is that our young people are really talented, very creative, but have we created an environment where they can flourish and excel in their creativity?” Prof Norris asked.

“In fact, I’d characterise it as a crisis because the success rate of junior and senior secondary schools is very low.” He said as an institution of higher learning, UB should be providing solutions. “It is embarrassing that we produce graduates who will later be unemployed, so we add to the problems of the country.”

The Rector of the PSHPU, Dr Konstantin Egorov said education could transform nations, indicating that collaboration should begin immediately as his institution had technology that it would share with UB.

“We have to expand opportunities for our students and give them access to multiple pathways,” Dr Egorov said.

He said Perm State Humanitarian Pedagogical University graduates had a 90 per cent employment rate, something, which UB could benchmark on given its low student employability.

Through the agreement, UB and PSHPU will cooperate in research projects including scientific research on the development of education systems in Botswana and Russia.

The parties will also embark on joint development and methodological support programmes for the adaptation of Botswana students entering higher educational institutions in Russia. Ends