Masisi Inaugurated As UB Chancellor

Goitsemodimo Kaelo | Monday October 16, 2017 16:29

 

Masisi became the third Chancellor of UB since its establishment in 1982 as the first institution of higher education in Botswana.

He succeeds the late former President Sir Ketumile Masire, who died three months ago.

A moment of silence was observed in honour of the departed Masire.

In his acceptance speech, Masisi who will ascend to the country’s presidency on April 1, 2018, acknowledged former Chancellors’ leadership.

He said he harbours intentions to turn UB into one of the best tertiary institutions in the region and globally. He said the institution should contribute towards socio-economic transformation, which the country wants to achieve.

“Any reputable university by its very nature serves as a critical contributor to socio-economic transformation.

It is not only a place where great minds meet, but also serves as a platform for discovery and innovation,” he said.

Masisi said government is committed to seeing the university thrive as an icon that resonates with the history and the culture of Botswana.

He noted the challenges faced by the university such as funding and retention of staff and promised to muster these challenges.

Meanwhile, 2,753 graduates including 14 who achieved Doctorates (PhDs) were released into the job market on Saturday. BUAN released 286 graduates including 32 with Diploma, 19 (Higher Diploma), 226 with Degrees and nine Masters holders while UB had 2,467 graduates.

This includes 117 Diploma holders, and 249 Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE). There were 1,898 Degree, 187 with Masters and Master of Philosophy (Mphil) graduates.

Deborah Botho Mosothwane was given the UB 2017 Valedictorian honour, an award given to a student who has demonstrated an overall academic excellence and leadership qualities for the duration of his/her studies at the university.