The Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) proudly hosted the Minister of Higher Education, Honourable Prince Maele, accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Professor Nelson Torto. The visit was to officially usher in the newly appointed BIUST Council Chairman, Dr. Howard Kgalemang Sigwele, whose three-year term commenced on 14 April 2025.
In his opening remarks, BIUST Vice Chancellor Professor Otlogetswe Totolo warmly welcomed the Minister and the new Chairman, highlighting their critical roles in shaping the future of higher education in Botswana. He reaffirmed BIUST’s commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and social impact as outlined in the University’s Transformative Strategic Plan 2023–2028. Professor Totolo also spotlighted the institution’s pioneering initiatives, including the successful launch of Botswana’s first satellite and a drone-based healthcare delivery project. He urged students to embrace entrepreneurship and the potential of satellite-enabled data mining to drive economic development and job creation in a knowledge-based economy.
Outgoing Acting Council Chairman, Mr. Edwin Elias, delivered heartfelt farewell remarks, expressing immense pride and gratitude for his time serving the University. He reflected on BIUST’s achievements in research, infrastructure, and regional collaboration, and emphasized the importance of sustainable growth through increased funding and third-stream income generation. Mr. Elias expressed confidence in Dr. Sigwele’s leadership and pledged his support during the transition.
In his keynote address, Honourable Minister Maele officially welcomed Dr. Sigwele, acknowledging the complex nature of the role and encouraging him to familiarize himself with BIUST’s statutes and strategic direction. He urged the new Chair to lead boldly, with a focus on research, innovation, and entrepreneurial initiatives that go beyond existing frameworks. The Minister emphasized the need for universities to generate their own revenue through innovation rather than depending solely on government funding. He praised BIUST as a unique and cutting-edge institution close to his heart and called for greater visibility and impact. The Minister also extended appreciation to Mr. Elias for his patriotic service and stressed the importance of student welfare in all strategic decisions
Accepting the role with humility and determination, Dr. Howard Sigwele described his appointment as a significant responsibility. He recognized the essential role BIUST plays locally and globally, pledging to prioritize research and innovation to equip students with the skills needed to transform the national economy. Dr. Sigwele reiterated BIUST’s strategic position as a STEM university and its potential to uplift communities through targeted STEM initiatives. He encouraged academic staff to lead in the use of data to drive impactful projects and called on ministries to focus on outcomes rather than funding alone. He concluded by emphasizing ethics, governance, and accountability in the use of public resources.
The visit marked a significant moment in BIUST’s ongoing journey toward excellence, setting a strong tone for the University’s continued growth and contribution to national development.