It is planned that the University will reach its full target of 10,000 students by 2016. Speaking at the launch of the Interim Council for the University, Nkate said that Botswana has reached a significant turning point in its human resource development strategy, and is committed to developing a competent human resource.

He said that currently only 12 percent of the population had access to tertiary education compared to 20-30 percent in other middle-income countries and 50 percent in developed countries. "We have however been training a lot of our students in other countries in an endeavour to meet the human resource and training needs of the country. This has nonetheless been at very high cost and is proving unsustainable given the increasing demand for tertiary education," Nkate said. He added that the establishment of the university will reduce the cost on external placement. Government is also developing some Technical Colleges as well as upgrading brigades to produce high quality graduates.

Nkate said that Science and Technology are the main engines of economic growth hence Botswana found it important to invest in the university to compete globally. Nkate said that the BIUST, which will cost an estimated P6 billion, will be implemented through Public - Private Partnership (PPP) in line with government's policy on privatisation. "I wish to take this opportunity to advise local institutions/organisations (financial, construction, engineering and architectural) to start organising themselves into alliances and consortia so that they can effectively bid as PPP partners in the development of BIUST," Nkate said.

He stated that the PPP model may require the private sector to design, finance and construct the infrastructure being tendered and recover their investment over an agreed time. "The private partner may also be responsible for infrastructure maintenance during this period. A mutually beneficial risk-sharing arrangement will be worked out during the feasibility study for which a Transaction Advisor will be appointed before end of this month," he said.

Prior to the launch, there was a site visit of the 1700 hectare piece of land situated between Palapye, Lecheng and the Martins Drift flyover bridge. Among those who attended the launch were representatives of the Harvard University, Ministers, Central District Council members, senior government Officials, Leader of Opposition Otsweletse Moupo, Former UB Vice Chancellor Professor Thomas Tlou, UB Vice Chancellor Bojosi Otlhogile and Members of Parliament.

The interim council was announced and Professor Sesai Mpuchane was appointed the Chairperson and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education Festina Bakwena is the Vice Chairperson. Nkate said he has confidence in the 12-member council, which comprises experienced economists, engineers, researchers and members of NGOs.

The MP for Palapye, Boyce Sebetela applauded the ministry for appointing young and experienced women and men to execute such a difficult task. He said that Botswana is heading for good times looking at the extension of Morupule Colliery, the new university and the proposed Mmamabula Coal Power Station, which is expected to export power to neighbouring countries. Sebetela said that he is happy that the ministry chose Palapye as a suitable site for the institution and that it launched the council in the village. He said that in the near future, Palapye would attract many investors especially since it is located in the centre of the country.

However, a water shortage in the village spoilt the visitors' day. It was so bad that some employees of Botsalo Hotel were forced to carry water in containers to be used in toilets. In a short interview with Mmegi after the launch Sebetela said that the water shortage started three months ago when villagers were informed that maintenance work was being carried out on the North-South Water pipeline. He said the water shortage has become a daily problem. Sebetela said that Palapye has enough under ground water to feed the village but the boreholes may not be fully utilised.

On the issue of small businesses, Sebetela urged Palapye residents to jump at this opportunity by opening small food outlets during and after construction.