By:Tshegofatso Teseletso
The BIUST Vice Chancellor, Professor Otlogetswe Totolo expressed delight when welcoming a delegate of Central University of Technology (CUT) that was led by the Council Chairman, Mr Matthew Rantso and the Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Alfred Ngowi. The Vice Chancellor delineated that this visitation was timely as it will strengthen the bond of friendship between the two institutions. In 2019 BIUST signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with CUT. “I want to believe that we stand a much better chance now to discuss how best we can put substance into our business engagements as expressed in the MOU,” Prof. Totolo said the MOU covers areas such as joint research projects; joint publications; teaching, cultural projects and joint conferences.
He also stated that implementation of these activities will create an effective platform that
will allow the use of complementary strengths and resources to build a culture of success in research, teaching and learning at our respective institutions.BIUST aspire to evolve and join the elite class of premier institutions of learning in science, engineering and technology. It is for that reason that we are thrilled at the prospects of working with a university of this calibre and stature of CUT; which can be a source of our motivation to inspire our growth”, Prof. Totolo alluded.
He advised the present delegates to join hands and ensure that this partnership becomes one of the most desired and envied in the SADC region and beyond. Furthermore, Prof. Totolo said that
beyond academics and research, the two institutions also stand a chance to consolidate the historical and cultural ties between the people of Botswana and South Africa.“Our universities must serve the communities that host us, and our joint activities can help forge cross-border business and cultural ties that can support regional economic integration between our countries at the government level,”he emphasized.
He also noted that as institutions of higher learning, they were better placed to lead the economic development agenda of SADC and Africa using research talents and academic output. “We do
look forward to a successful and meaningful partnership between our two institutions,” he concluded.To cement Prof. Totolo’s insightful remarks, in-depth presentations were made on
focused areas of interest including Student Accommodation; Student Funding; Solar Energy efforts; 3D printing. In response CUT Prof. Ngowi expressed his gratitude to BIUST for their warm welcome.Prof. Ngowi applauded BIUST for the prevalent and unique projects they have initiated. He advised BIUST to continue harvesting technology and change the learning space for the better.
As he concluded, Prof. Ngowi emphasised the importance of grooming problem-solving graduates that are ready to create employment. The engaging and productive visitation was wrapped up with a campus appreciation tour to different laboratories and the research projects the university is currently engaged in.