298 graduate from BUIST
Lebogang Othusitse’s mother could not hide the joy in her face as she ascended the podium to celebrate with her daughter when she received the best overall student award.
Her joy mirrored the many faces of parents and guardians of learners who came from all corners of the country to celebrate the achievements of their loved ones.
Botswana International University of Science and Technology’s 7th graduation ceremony in their 10th year anniversary witnessed 298 graduates receiving their certificates in the various scientific and technological fields.
A congratulatory message from the Assistant Minister of Education and Skills Development, Aubrey Lesaso was well received by the graduates. Lesaso applauded the institution for rising above the challenges that came with the Covid pandemic. He said that the learners’ tenacity and drive to succeed carried them through a period which had hit the educational sector in a negative manner. Lesaso affirmed that the Ministry of Education is dedicated to ensuring that Botswana will have the relevant education that is outcomebased and rooted in academic competencies accompanied by technical and vocational skills. Lesaso urged the university to seek solutions to problems that are in the socio- economic sphere, adding that the research fund will aid in the institution having the resources to do so. “Be innovative and apply the knowledge and skills you acquired here to be the change you want to see in the society.” Lesaso reminded the learners that they should take what they learned and apply it in their new stage of life. BIUST Vice Chancellor Professor Otlogetswe Totolo said that they only started with 58 graduates in 2016. He noted that they have witnessed a significant growth in students that pass through their institution. He explained that the institution is rooted in a vision of producing world class research and innovation in science, engineering and technology. Totolo said BIUST has been at the forefront of research, innovation and human development, with academic excellence, social relevance and commercial attractiveness being the by- products of the knowledge they offer as an institution. Guest of honour at the ceremony, founder of the Bulb World, Ketshephaone Jacob, told graduates that they will go through a lot of challenges but should never give up. Delivering the valedictory, an overjoyed best overall student Lebogang Othusitse thanked BIUST for changing her life. Othusitse said that BIUST is dedicated to the academic growth of all learners that go through it. She told her colleagues to make the institution proud by living their lives to their maximum potential.