On the 10th of February 2022, Botswana’s Honorary Consul based in California, United States of America, Mr Charles Frankel accompanied by Botswana International University of Science and Technology by the Former President of the Republic of Botswana, Dr Festus Mogae who is also the BIUST Councillor paid a courtesy visit to BIUST
The intent of the visitation was for the two dignitaries to appreciate the diverse projects the University is currently engaged in.The BIUST Vice-Chancellor, Professor Otlogetswe Totolo opened the morning tryst by expressing his gratitude to the Chancellor for continuing to work tirelessly to ensure that BIUST grows and plays a pivotal role in the economic transformation and development of this country. Prof. Totolo said BIUST is a research-intensive university that specialises primarily in science, engineering and technology. He went on to stipulate that the institution is a deliberate construct by the government of Botswana to become a game-changer; a key catalyst for Botswana’s economic transformation and development of this country.
“Mr Frankel our efforts are channelled in the direction of delivering top-end research and innovation in science, engineering and technology to develop and grow local talent that can re-engineer a new and robust economic thrust to facilitate Botswana’s transition into a knowledge-based economy and society,” he noted.Prof. Totolo indicated that BIUST is desirous of unleashing the potency of its intellectual property in a manner that facilitates the creation of goods and services through new ideas and the Californian Silicon Valley has proven itself over long years that it is the best model to emulate. “Mr Frankel we believe that we learn a lot from you as an active member of Silicon Valley,” Prof. Totolo said.
Stating the BIUST Overview the Vice-Chancellor articulated that the university’s primary focus is centred on strengthening the academic value chain comprising three key elements: academic excellence, commercial attractiveness, and social relevance. To enable prevalent and visible progress the institution is guided by a strategic master plan.Reverting on the Institution’s strategic plan, the Vice-Chancellor explained that BIUST is not only committed to producing “industry- ready graduates” but to also playing a significant role in encouraging and inculcating the much needed acumen of entrepreneurship. “Through our Centre for Business Management,Entrepreneurship and General Education, we equip and empower both students and members of the community in skills development for business start-ups and management,” he said.
To this end, the university continues to seek for potential partners to assist in research conversion models that can play a pivotal role in the commercialisation of research projects.Over the years BIUST students have instigated numerous commercial projects such as; Antimicrobial toilet seat, Pyrolysis plant and Smart Hard Hat. BIUST Milestones embodies the Drones for Health and STEM festival. “We are committed and desirous of continuing to work hand-in-hand with you to build strong and effective partnerships to advance our common goals and aspirations in the name of our country and the people,” he said in conclusion.
For his part, Dr Mogae expressed pride at the evolving BIUST. “I rejoice as I observe the great progress that this University is making, first of its kind in Botswana; I marvel at its prospect,” the delighted Chancellor said. He added that it was with pride that he invited Mr Frankel to BIUST, as a man with an in-depth background in science, innovation and technology, and someone who have had Botswana’s welfare at heart for over 25 years years.
He also denoted that BIUST has proven to be an impactful institution hence he proudly invited him to appreciate the change projects they are engaged in as someone who shares a similar vision as BIUST.Dr Mogae wound up by appreciating both the Vice-Chancellor and the BIUST community for the marvellous job they were currently doing. Furthermore, he highlighted that there were some Batswana citizens who had and continue to visit California Silicon Valley institutions through Silicon Valley Innovation program. The main objective of this program is to empower them with practical knowledge. “It is extremely exciting to see the magnificent institution BIUST has blossomed into, not only in terms of its structure, the academic programs they offer but also practical projects they are engaged in,” he acknowledged.
He advised that BIUST and Botswana as a whole must utilise experienced senior intellectual lawyers and venture capitalists as they play a pivotal role in ensuring success in development initiatives.
“Nature and nurture are vital in the knowledge economy as it sparks invention and innovation that this country is driving towards,” he said before he concluded by imploring Batswana to develop a financial centre and utilise the Internet to reach its vision. When giving the closing remarks BIUST Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research development and Innovation Professor Abraham Atta Ogwu stated that BIUST was not only centred around academic excellence, but it also stood to play a pivotal role in leading fundamental research, and knowledge transfer. The knowledge that speaks to Botswana’s national 2036 vision.
“BIUST is currently engaged in a whole spectrum of prevalent activities that will see to the realisation of a knowledge-based economic transformation,” he said. He thanked the two dignitaries for coming to appreciate the development progress of BIUST and its projects. He appreciated their wisdom, “We will embrace your wise advise moving forward”.The illuminating and fruitful visitation was wrapped up with a campus appreciation tour to different laboratories; starting with the Faculty of Engineering (pyrolysis lab) and Faculty of Science (Biotechnology lab) where the two delegates were briefed on diverse research projects the university is currently engaged in.