The inauguration of Botswana International University of Science and Technology’s second Chancellor added another significant moment to the institution’s evolving story, as Advocate Duma Gideon Boko formally assumed the role. Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Higher Education Hon. Prince Maele framed the occasion as both a continuation of progress and a renewed commitment to Botswana’s development agenda.

In his address, the Minister expressed pride in witnessing yet another milestone for BIUST, while commending the university’s leadership for hosting a well-organized event. He also acknowledged the presence of distinguished guests, noting that their attendance reflected a shared dedication to advancing the country’s education and innovation landscape.

Rather than viewing the inauguration as a standalone event, the Minister positioned it within a broader national context. He emphasized that Botswana’s development trajectory increasingly depends on higher education, research, and technology. In this regard, BIUST remains a strategic institution, one specifically designed to anchor the country’s ambitions in science, engineering, and innovation.

Advocate Boko’s assumption of the Chancellorship, the Minister noted, comes at a pivotal time. While the role carries ceremonial responsibilities, it also holds strategic importance in shaping the university’s direction and strengthening its alignment with national priorities. The Chancellor, he explained, serves not only as the custodian of institutional values but also as a key link between academia, government, and global partners.

Central to the Minister’s remarks was Botswana’s ongoing transition from a resource-based economy to a knowledge-driven one. This shift, he said, demands more than policy statements, it requires a deliberate focus on skills development, research output, and innovation ecosystems. From producing highly skilled graduates to fostering industry partnerships and advancing digital transformation, the expectations placed on institutions like BIUST continue to grow.

He highlighted the urgency of responding to global trends such as artificial intelligence, robotics, climate change, and the green economy. These forces are already reshaping industries worldwide, making it essential for Botswana to invest in talent and technological capability to remain competitive.

The Minister also revisited government efforts to strengthen both higher education and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). He pointed out that while academic pathways remain important, there is an equally pressing need to elevate practical, skills-based training. By doing so, Botswana can better meet the demands of its economy while opening opportunities for entrepreneurship and self-employment.

Within this framework, BIUST’s role extends beyond traditional academia. The institution is expected to contribute to both advanced research and applied skills development, reinforcing its position as a driver of national transformation. The Minister reiterated a recurring theme in his address: that Botswana’s true wealth lies in its people, describing human capital as the country’s “new diamonds.”

Looking ahead, he expressed confidence that President Boko’s leadership will bring renewed momentum to the university. The Chancellorship, he said, strengthens the bridge between national policy and academic innovation, ensuring that both spheres work in tandem rather than in isolation.

He further stressed the importance of collaboration, calling for stronger partnerships between government, academia, and the private sector. Such cooperation, he argued, is essential for building an integrated talent pipeline and addressing complex challenges through shared expertise.

As the ceremony ended, the Minister reaffirmed his Ministry’s commitment to supporting BIUST’s growth and success. He welcomed President Boko to his new role and underscored the collective responsibility to ensure that the university continues to thrive.

The inauguration, while ceremonial in form, ultimately underscored a broader message: that Botswana’s future will be shaped not only by its institutions, but by how effectively they work together to harness knowledge, innovation, and human potential.