Speech by Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) Dist. Prof Dennis A. Signer At The Gems@BIUST Mentorship

Correspondent | Monday April 30, 2018 13:02

In a special way, please allow me, to recognise in our midst, the Honourable Minister of Investment Trade, and Industry, Hon Bogolo Kenewendo, MP, and her entourage. 

In a special way, kindly allow me to recognise and welcome to our campus, the Girls Excelling in Math and Science, shortened for GEMS. 

I have been informed that these young ladies have been selected from various public secondary schools on account of their merit and competence in math and science. I want to congratulate them for that. These young ladies are the future of our country. They are our nation’s pride, and they are the reason why we firmly believe that we can transforms our country’s economy from heavy reliance on natural resources, to a knowledge –based one, anchored on deep and sufficient competence in science and math. 

This event comes against the background of our nation’s deliberate decision to increase girls’ interest, competence, representation and participation in the Science Technology Engineering and Math (shortened to STEM) disciplines and industries. 

We at BIUST are already playing our part in assisting our nation reach that imperative goal of letting every one of our qualifying citizens to reach their STEM dream and even exceed it, irrespective of their gender, background, or social standing. We do this by offering academic programs in specialised STEM disciplines and continue to explore ways by which more of the new forms of STEM disciplines can be offered here at a great saving to our country. 

Today we are gathered to witness history in the making.  or the first time, our women faculty and staff have conceptualised, organised and staged this event of mentoring the best of our country’s young ladies in science and math. They have done this out of sheer benevolence, their public spirit, and a desire to supplement the Government’s efforts and policies of actualizing and empowering all of our citizens wherever they are, and whoever they are. We congratulate them for that and express our deepest gratitude to them for this kind gesture. 

With these welcome remarks, it is my honour, pride and happiness to welcome you all to BIUST. 

Thank you for your time, for your attendance of this event, and for your listening pleasure.