05 May 2024

The Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) has been urged to focus on undertaking, promoting and facilitating research and scholarly investigations in a bid to achieve its mandate.

Botswana Oil Limited general manager operations Mr Otto Keitumetse applauded the institution for its unwavering dedication to foster innovation and excellence in engineering education.

He was speaking at the university’s 2024 Mechanical Energy and Industrial Degree show  in Palapye on Friday.

The show was held under the theme: Promoting market ready graduates through manufacturing innovation and technology for economic development.

It celebrated the innovative and creative achievements of the graduating students from the school of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering.

He said the projects presented were not merely academic achievements but rather real-world solutions to industrial and economic challenges.

Mr Keitumetse said the show marked the culmination of five years of rigorous education and relentless dedication from the students.

“Their work does more than fulfilling academic requirements, it pushes boundaries, solves practical problems, and sets a foundation for continuous innovation,” he said.

He said the event bridged the gap between academia and industry, serving as a platform to introduce new talent to potential employers and investors.

For his part, BIUST Deputy Vice Chancellor Teaching and Learning, Professor Elisha Shemang said the exhibition was a remarkable showcase of the students’ ingenuity, determination and technical proficiency.

Prof. Shemang said BIUST was committed to creating an environment that nurtured inventiveness and originality in alignment with Botswana’s National Vision 2036 and the Millennium Development Goals.

He said the aim was to demonstrate that engineering can be a potent tool in servicing communities with potential to even solve global problems.

The 2024 MEI Degree Show chairperson Dr Badzlili Nthubu said the vision of the show was to create a platform where students’ academic achievements could intersect seamlessly with the industry’s and community’s needs.

He said the goal was to showcase what the students have learnt and applied towards solving real world challenges.

“They showcase potential innovations that could one day revolutionise and disrupt how we interact with technology, energy and the very fabric of our daily lives,” he said. ENDS