Africa-Press – Botswana. Ministry of Education and Skills Development recognises the pivotal role played by research, science and technology in driving innovation and economic growth.
Minister of Education and Skills Development, Dr Douglas Letsholathebe, said this at the eighth graduation ceremony of Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) in Palapye on September 22.
He said to support graduates in research they had established research grants, scholarships and partnerships with industry leaders.
The aim was to ensure graduates engaged in ground-breaking research and projects that addressed real-world challenges while also contributing to the growth of the nation’s knowledge-based economy, he said.
Dr Letsholathebe added that Botswana Digital and Innovation Hub (BDIH) had been instrumental in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, and had through its incubation programmes and access to cutting-edge technology, created a nurturing environment for start-ups and innovators.
He urged graduates to explore the resources and opportunities available at the hub.
At the same time, he said, they should also consider using services provided by Botswana Innovation Fund (BIF) which was established to promote and facilitate collaboration between academia, entrepreneurs, public officials and other citizens.
He said the government wanted to initiate the beneficial use of technology, which would lead to entrepreneurs and businesses engaging the youth for their knowledge intensive functions.
The government was also collaborating with private sector partners and international organisations to provide training, mentorship and networking opportunities to young entrepreneurs.
“We believe these partnerships are crucial in nurturing a thriving ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship in Botswana,” he said.
Dr Letsholathebe said the government established Botswana Institute for Technology and Innovation (BITRI) in 2012 to conduct needs-based research and development and to identify and develop appropriate technology solutions through co-creation and collaboration.
He also implored graduates to understand the Reset Agenda as they stepped into the world with the knowledge and skills they had acquired at the university.
“As you embark on your professional journeys, remember the importance of inclusivity in your workplaces, communities and interactions.
Be champions of equality and fairness and strive to create opportunities for all…and I encourage you to be innovative,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the graduates could get jobs anywhere in the world as BIUST had equipped them with world-class education, cutting-edge research and a diverse learning environment.
The graduates also had good problem-solving skills and were creative, adaptable and had a global perspective.
The minister commended BIUST leadership for their commitment to excellence, research and innovation.
He said they had not only propelled BIUST to new heights, but also placed the institution at the forefront of the latest university rankings.
“Your unwavering dedication to advancing knowledge and nurturing the talents of our students is truly commendable,” he said.
The Vice Chancellor of BIUST, Professor Otlogetswe Totolo said they had come a long way.
“The thinking then, as it is now, is to transform our country from a resource-based to a knowledge-based economy,” he said.
He said the theme of the graduation ceremony: “Re-setting, re-adjusting, reclaiming: Driving change through science, technology and entrepreneurship”, was appropriate.
He said, as a university, they had to embrace innovative entrepreneurship as part of their core mandate and that it was enshrined in their vision, which described them as “an entrepreneurial research-based university of science, engineering and technology that was internationally recognised for its quality and excellence.’’
Over 340 graduates at both undergraduate and graduate levels graduated. This was an increase of 30.5 per cent from last year’s figure.
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