BIUST pleads for annual research fund
Bonte Seepi | Thursday May 11, 2017 15:14
Speaking during the Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology minister’s visit recent, BIUST vice chancellor, Professor Otlogetswe Totolo revealed that ever since the institute’s establishment in 2006, its main goal was to be one of the key drivers in bringing about a fundamental transformation of Botswana as a catalyst for economic and social development.
This, he said, was linked to activating BIUST’s annual research fund.
“We need to activate our annual research fund. Other countries have annual research funds and foundations that support universities with specialised equipment,” Totolo said.
“We intend to be the premier research-based university of science, engineering and technology and to be internationally recognised for quality and excellence of teaching and learning, research, innovation and engagement.”
Totolo asked the Ministry to consider increasing the length of postgraduate training, saying this was one way in which BIUST could achieve its research ambitions.
He said the University wishes to deepen the integration of student research into the academic curriculum and increase postgraduate research output. This, he said, would require Government support.
Currently out of 1,900 students, BIUST has 70 postgraduate enrolments and 56 international students. “If the issue of postgraduate training can be re-looked at, we would achieve our mandate of being the engine of development in science, engineering and technology and drive the economic, social, cultural, educational and industrial transformation of the local and national economies,” he said.
Meanwhile, he urged the Ministry to utilise them saying they (BIUST) are always available to help anywhere in the Ministry where possibly needed.
For his part, Madigele said the Ministry was in support of a research fund to support BIUST and other institutions.
“The country is emphasising on migrating from a resource-based economy to a knowledge-based one and it is therefore vital that the fund is activated.
“The whole idea is about the people and facilities that the Ministry provides to get that kind of economy. “It is also important to engage the Botswana Innovation Hub because in the past we had situations where research institutions did not communicate with each other, but that marriage is magnificent.
“However, Government will ensure that BIUST develops and we want products and services related to your outputs.
We want the University to produce graduates who will contribute meaningfully to the economy of the country,” he said.
He said the Ministry needs a research agenda and proper planning, which every stakeholder including the community will have contributed to.