Botswana

31 May 2018

Celebrating Gobe Matenge – A Frank and Fearless Public Servant

The University of Botswana and The Botswana Society celebrated the life of legendary public servant Mr Gobe Matenge at the UB Conference Centre on May 21, 2018 with speakers agreeing that he contributed immensely to the development of Botswana. Read more

Change Management Key To Project Implementation

As the Ministry of Basic Education is undergoing a massive transformation through a government-approved plan known as ‘Education and Training Sector Strategy Plan (ETSSP), I feel compelled to point out a few change management aspects that I believe can be very critical in determining whether or not the envisaged product is successful. Read more

Training of Trainers Short Course: Department of Extra Mural and Public Education

Facilitating training sessions can be a daunting prospect especially for those entering the field for the first time or who have not had any formal preparation for the task. Without this foundation, only a few people can effectively transfer skills and knowledge to others. Whether those attending this training are experienced or inexperienced trainers or they are just to refresh themselves as seasoned professionals, this course will equip them with skills to be effective trainers of trainers. Read more

VC Envisions High Performance Centre

With its world class sporting facilities, the Vice Chancellor, Professor David Norris, believes the University of Botswana can serve as a high performance centre for sport. Read more

 

30 April 2018

CIPA to Introduce Online Registration

Companies and Intellectual Property Authority (CIPA) are currently working on introducing online registration for companies. This was revealed by the organization’s Registrar General, Conductor Masena, during this week’s media briefing to mark the official launch of CIPA’s upcoming Corporate Registers Forum (CRF). Read More

“A Catalyst for Innovation and Transformation”

The Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) has embarked on a six-year Strategic Plan from 2016 to 2022 that will guide the future growth and development of the country’s second university. BIUST was conceived with the intention to add impetus to the quest for developing the country’s human capital especially in specialized areas of Science, Engineering and Technology. Read more

UB, CUT Agree to Joint Leverage of Capabilities

The University of Botswana entered into a three-year agreement on April 16, 2018 with the Central University of Technology (CUT) in Bloemfontein, South Africa through which the two institutions of higher learning committed themselves to jointly leveraging their capabilities in promoting scholarly activities and international understanding in a number of areas. Read more

PhD scholarships in Genetics/ Bioinformatics

Applications are invited for two PhD scholarships in the Department of Biological Sciences as part of the Collaborative African Genomics Network (CAfGEN) that has recently received an NIH-Welcome Trust Funded Grant (H3Africa NiH-U54AI110398) to the tune of USD $5 million.  Read more

In Support of the Presidents call for a Knowledge Economy

On the 1st of April amidst pomp and fanfare, His Excellency the President of the Republic of Botswana Mr. Mokgweetsi E. K. Masisi laid out his visionary blue print and noted as follows: “In line with Vision 2036, investment in research, science and technology and innovation will be prioritized to enable our transformation into a knowledge-based economy. Read more

 

30 December 2017

Norris Appointed UB’s Sixth Vice Chancellor

The Minister of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology, has appointed Professor David Norris to the position of Vice Chancellor of the University of Botswana. Read more

UB Can Be Money Spinner – VC

If there is anything about the University of Botswana that excites the new Vice Chancellor, Professor David Norris, it is not only its ability to execute its core mandate with much aplomb, but also its potential to become a money spinner. Read more

 

15 October 2017

BEC In Dire Shortage Of Examiners

Beleaguered Botswana Examinations Council (BEC) is grappling with shortage of examiners for the 2017 Botswana General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE) examinations. Read more

 

15 September 2017

HRDC Inducts UB Management on Institutional Planning

The University of Botswana Management attended a one-day workshop on institutional planning organised by the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) as part of its consultative process to inform Tertiary Education Institutions (TEIs) on the need to align to the Botswana National Human Resource Development Strategy and the skills need by the labour market. Read more

Minister of Tertiary Education Meets UB Management

Dr Madigele said he was happy to have met with the Management of the University especially that there had not been a formal meeting since the Ministry was reconstituted about 10 months ago. Read more

MP Calls for a General Law Course in Schools

The former teacher says that part of reasons service delivery is at its lowest in the country is because public servants being the service providers lack the basic knowledge of law which translates into poor understanding of regulations and policies that should guide service delivery. Read more

Target 20 000 to Enroll After Budgetary Mess

The major flaws that occurred in the implementation of the programme relates to the fact that students wanted long-term programmes instead of short-term ones. He said some students ended up taking four-year programmes against the original plan. Read more

UB Occupies Single Pole Position

The Chancellor of the University of Botswana who is also the Vice President of Botswana, has applauded the University for a high level private sector engagement in the training of human resource that was critical to the economic development of the country. Read more

 

31 August 2017

Cuba Ambassador Pledges More Support

Cuban Ambassador to Botswana, says health professionals from Cuba will remain in the country for as long as necessary. Read more

Korea Corner Officially Opened

The opening of a Korean Corner at the University of Botswana is a firm indication of how committed the South Korean government was in maintaining strong relations with Botswana. Read more

Magang Unpacks Sir Seretse Khama’s Famous Quote

If anyone doubted the veracity of Botswana’s founding President, Sir Seretse Khama’s famous quote that “a nation without a past is a lost nation, and a people without a past is a people without a soul”. Read more

RUFORUM-USADF Collaboration to Create Opportunities for Underserved Communities in Africa

The Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) organized and participated in the 2017 Global Workshop of the United States African Development Foundation (USADF). Read more

 

15 August 2017

At 41 Years of Age, Dr Alfred Madigele Is Botswana’s Youngest Cabinet Minister

After completing his studies in Ireland, Dr Madigele was employed for a year at one of the biggest hospitals in Ireland called Limerick Regional Hospital, as a Medical Officer and he decided to quit and come back home. Read more

Ministry Unaware of Dropouts Challenges

Higher education officials have denied knowledge of any government-sponsored tertiary students dropouts who were disadvantaged by the school system. Read more

 

15 July 2017

Botswana Recognises Sustainable Tourism for Development

Botswana as a country that recognises the integral part that tourism plays in its economy has no choice but to practice sustainable tourism. Read more

UNWTO Proposes Joint Researches with UB

The United Nation World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) wants to partner with the University of Botswana in conducting joint research, especially in the tourism area. Read more

 

30 June 2017

Prof O. Totolo Inaugurated as Fellow of the Botswana Academy of Sciences (BAS)

Professor Otlogetswe Totolo has been deemed worthy to be inducted as fellow of the Botswana Academy of Sciences (BAS). Read more

 

15 June 2017

Education Cuts Billion Pula of Tertiary Spend

The Ministry of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology has drastically reduced the number of students who will be sponsored during the 2017/2018 financial year for both local public and private institutions. Read more

 

15 May 2017

UB Kenya Commemorate Wangari Maathai Day

The University of Botswana joined the rest of Africa in commemorating Africa Environment/Wangari Maathai Day by planting trees and holding a public lecture that attracted a host of dignitaries among them ministers, dikgosi, members of the diplomatic corps, senior government officials, university professors and members of the public. Read more

 

30 April 2017

Limko Receives Gold Award for Third Consecutive Year

Limkokwing University of Creative Technology scooped the Readers Digest Trusted Brand Gold Award for the best private University in country beating over 20 Universities at a glittering ceremony held at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Read more

 

15 March 2017

UB Re-Opens March 6 – Dr Madigele

The Minister for Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology, Dr Alfred Madigele says University of Botswana will re-open on March 6, after it was closed following a strike by the students. Read more

 

15 February 2017

Education Minister Underscores Communication between Management and Students

The Minister of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology, Dr Alfred Madigele, has underscored the importance of communication in conflict resolution following days of student disturbances that led to a decision by the Chairman of the University of Botswana Council. Read more

Prof Moahi Appointed Acting Vice Chancellor

Professor Kgomotso Hildegard Moahi has been appointed to act as the Vice Chancellor of the University of Botswana with effect from February 20, 2017. The appointment follows the resignation of Professor Thabo Fako as Vice Chancellor on February 17, 2017. Read more

 

31 January 2017

BQA Tightens Up Quality Assurance

The Botswana Qualifications Authority (BQA) will soon implement quality assurance measures in the entire education sector as informed by latest developments in its regulatory role. Read more

BQA to Assess Whole Education System

Botswana Qualification Authority is to assess the entire education system pipeline from early childhood to tertiary level. Read more

Gov’t to Slash Tertiary Education Funding

The Government will reduce the amount spent on sponsoring tertiary students, by 27% in the next financial year. Read more

The Decline and Fall of Higher Education in Botswana: Quality Assurance Authorities Complicit

Quality assurance agencies should place the interests of students in tertiary institutions and those that are still coming front and centre of what they do. Read more

UB Don Offers Answers to Dow’s Many Questions

Studies have previously been undertaken on the factors behind poor performance by the students in public schools. “All we need to do is retrieve such information and determine what would help us make an improvement.” Read more

 

15 November 2016

P600 Million for Research and Innovation

The Ministry of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology (MTERST) has earmarked over P678 million for research, technology and innovation related projects in National Development Plan 11(NDP11). Read more

Madigele Intervenes In Oodi College Demonstrations

The Minister of Tertiary Education, Research Science and Technology was forced to intervene and calm down the situation at the Oodi College of Applied Arts and Technology (OCAAT). Read more

Gaborone Mayor Advises UB Students against Unprotected Sex

Gaborone Mayor, advised University of Botswana students to play it safe by adopting the #Boloto must fall mantra which promotes safe sex through the use of condoms or at best, abstinence. Read more

Stakeholders, Educationists Encouraged To Join SAQAN

SAQAN was launched in Botswana last year and key to its existence is to transform higher education quality and allow members access to global best practices through interaction. Read more

UB Foundation appeals to UBLS Alumni for Support

The University of Botswana Foundation chairman, has appealed to the University of Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland (UBLS) Alumni to support the foundation in whatever way they can. Read more

US Embassy Commits to Education Development

Botho University engaged in an international research conference this morning under the theme ‘The future dynamics of higher education in a global society’. Read more

 

31 October 2016

BIUST Launches Ambitious Strategy

Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST)’s newly launched strategic plan envisages that the university will be in par with the world’s top universities. Read more

UB Confers Honourary Doctorate on Khama

The University of Botswana has conferred an honorary Doctor of Letters on President Lt Gen. Dr. Seretse Khama Ian Khama. Read more

 

30 September 2016

Jobs for Youth Could Boost Economic Growth

Botswana could improve incomes per capita, reduce poverty and increase growth through generating jobs for its increasing number of young workers, according to a recently released World Bank Group report. Read more

MOESD Should Be Split Into Two

Many expect the Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD) to be split into two to make it manageable and yield good results from primary school to tertiary institutions and beyond. Read more

 

15 September 2016

Botswana Urged To Find New Allies

As Batswana celebrate 50 years of Independence there is need for change and adaptation to a new global order that dictates that the country must diversify her international relations and diplomacy and look east as well. Read more

Companies Drill Youth on Work Readiness

The Progressive Institute together with Premiere Company hosted a work readiness seminar in Gaborone. Read more

Employees Decry Secrecy in Transformation of Vocational Institutions

Colleges of education and vocational institutions are embittered by lack of transparency and consultation in the ongoing institutional transformation process. Read more

Education Ministry Broke

The Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD) is too broke to send employees for further studies such that authorities are advising teachers to self-sponsor instead. Read more

Limkokwing University Awarded International Accreditation

Accreditation Service for International Colleges (ASIC), the United Kingdom based globally recognised authority on accreditation of higher education institutions worldwide, has designated Limkokwing University as the Global T.V.E.T. (Tertiary Vocational Education Training) Model University. Read more

VC Defines Role of a University

University of Botswana Vice Chancellor, says a University is neither a vocational, technical nor professional institution. Read more

 

31 August 2016

Botho University Introduces Scholarships

The Minister of Education and Skills Development (MoESD), Unity Dow, has applauded Botho University for its innovative ways of encouraging cost sharing in the education sector. Read more

Close Bogus Universities

The debate on the deteriorating quality of education in Botswana took a new turn last week when academics condemned the proliferation of many private “universities”, which currently stand at seven serving a population of approximately two million people, and called for their closure. Read more

Limkokwing Opens Campus in Sierra Leone

Limkokwing University of Creative Technology (LUCT) has established a new campus in Sierra Leone, which has already started operating with 1,200 students. Read more

Quotas Rattle Private Tertiary Institutions

Even though government says the move will solve unemployment, the shock introduction of quotas for tertiary education sponsorship continues to reverberate, while the revolution by unemployed youths gathers pace. Read more

 

15 July 2016

African Universities Far from Influencing Global Agenda

African universities have been found to be wanting and far much behind in terms of service delivery and research that can influence the global agenda. Read more

Masisi Challenges Southern African Tertiary Institutions to Re-Align Training

The 16th BOLESWANA Biennial Education Symposium has painted a gloomy picture of the standard of education and quality of graduates that southern African universities produce. Read more

Video Conferencing Essential in Schools

Video conferencing has been an integral part of our business world for the better part of two decades. Read more

 

30 June 2016

Bots Adopts Credit -Based System

Botswana has adopted a new education system said to be a paradigm shift from the old one. Read more

BQA Weeds Out Rubbish Institutions

Institutions of learning that fail to submit annual reports may have their registration and accreditation revoked, under the newly-gazetted regulations. Read more

 

15 June 2016

Battle over UB’s P45 Million Catering Tender

Three University of Botswana (UB) Student Representative Council (SRC) members have strongly refuted allegations of receiving a bribery to lead a student uprising at the beginning of the semester this coming August. Read more

BDP on Academic Qualifications for Political Office

The new rule is  that in terms of  the  amended  constitution  of  January 2016,  every candidate  must  be  in possession  of  a Grade 12  certificate or its  equivalent to be allowed to run for public office. Read more

Education Ministry to Rationalise Institutions

The Ministry of Education and Skills Development is undertaking an exercise to rationalise tertiary institutions with a view to address their optimum and efficient use while addressing issues of quality, access, equity and sustainability. Read more

Issues in Education

For quite a while now external placement for many Form Five leavers and some officers on in-service training takes place in Southern Africa. Read more

 

30 April 2016

Conduct Quality Research to Enhance Standards of Living

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, (UCC has encouraged university lecturers and professors to develop the interest to conduct quality research that would impact positively on the livelihoods of people living around the university community. Read more

Employers Urged to Give Fresh Graduates a Chance

The corporate world has been urged to employ fresh graduates in order to give them a chance to acquire experience. Read more

Jobless Graduates Invited to Register for Possible Employment

The Conscious Communiversity Organisation is urging all Namibian unemployed graduates from all tertiary institutions, local and international, to register for the #‎25000graduates campaign. Read more

President Khama Commends Limkokwing

The visit was meant to give the president the insight of the university’s philosophy, vision and update on its contribution to Botswana’s economy since its establishment. Read more

Review Delays Tertiary Education Sponsorships

The Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD) and its partners in higher education financing are reviewing the tertiary learning sponsorship process, to align training with market needs as well as budgetary needs. Read more

Target 20 000 to Address Skills Mismatch

Target 20 000 is born to address skills mismatch and to produce job ready graduates. Read more

UB State-of-The-Art Facility under Siege

Tensions and divisions, littered with political interference, are brewing at the University of Botswana (UB), over the sourcing out of the state-of-the-art conference centre. Read more

 

1 April 2016

BIUST attracts BGCSE top achievers at the HRDS fair 2016

BIUST continues to attract top achievers with points ranging from 38 to 48 points at the just ended HRDS fair. Read more

Festival Honours Achievements By African-Americans

The Department of English in collaboration with the American Embassy launched the 12th Annual Black History Month Film Festival. Read more

Molutsi Breaks Silence On His HRDC Exit

Outgoing Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) boss, Dr. Patrick Molutsi has cleared the air surrounding his alleged forced exit from his position. Read more

University of Botswana: a place for research and development

The University of Botswana is truly a national institution of higher learning, research and development. Read more

 

15 March 2016

BQA Happy with Tertiary Institutions

The Ministry of Education and Skills Development established the Botswana Qualification Authority (BQA) to ensure regulation and accreditation is done correctly. Read more

DCEC Investigates Tertiary Institutions

A number of tertiary institutions have in the recent past experienced a fair share of protests relating to quality of education offered. Read more

Education Budget Receives Thumbs Up

The Ministry of Education and Skills Development’s over P11. 7 billion budget proposal for the 2016/17 financial year was approved on Monday after an overwhelming backing from Parliament. Read more

Technical Colleges Closed, Students to Reapply

The Minister of Education and Skills Development, has taken a tough stance against the students of Gaborone Technical College (GTC) and Francistown College of Technical Education (FCTVE) after the closure of their colleges. Read more

VP Urges Institutions to Ensure Achievement of Goals

Vice President Mokgweetsi Masisi has urged institutions of higher learning to ensure the achievement of the national human resource development strategy. Read more

 

29 February 2016

Festival Honours Achievements By African-Americans

The Department of English in collaboration with the American Embassy launched the 12th Annual Black History Month Film Festival on February 22, 2016 at the University of Botswana Library Auditorium to honour the African-American History Month and celebrate achievements and contributions made by African-Americans to American history. Read more

UB Academics Win $35 000.00 Research Grant

Three UB researchers and academics have been awarded a $35,000.00 research grant by the Nagel Institute of Calvin College in the United States of America to explore the multifaceted characteristics of prophetic ministries, with a view to examine how new media shape religious discourses and practices as well as religious landscape in Botswana. Read more

 

15 February 2016

Botswana’s Future Lies in Intellectual Capital

With diamond sales plummeting and the mineral set to be depleted in coming years a human resource strategist has offered tried and tested alternatives to the country’s ailing economy, investing in human resource. Read more

Centre of Management, Entrepreneurship and General Studies Introduces Chinese Language to BIUST

Science and Technology universities have broadened their curriculum and introduced languages to give their students a platform to widen their horizons and break communication barriers in the fields of work as well as getting in touch with current affairs across the globe. Read more

Seychelles to Tap on BIUST Programes

The Seychelles delegation set to benchmark on Botswana in a bid to forge partnership between the two countries, visited the Botswana International University of Science & Technology (BIUST) where they exchanged information on technical expertise and education systems of the two countries.  Read more

The First International Conference on the Internet, Cyber Security and Information Systems

Department of Computer Science of the University of Botswana and the Department of Applied Information Systems of the University of Johannesburg will host the First International Conference on the Internet, Cyber Security and Information Systems, Gaborone, Botswana. Read more

Taking Mathematics and Science to the Next Level

The Botswana International University of Science & Technology (BIUST) staged “Science Circus” in Tsabong and surrounding villages. Read more

UB Academics Win $ 35 000.00 Research Grant

Three UB researchers and academics have been awarded a $35,000.00 research grant by the Nagel Institute of Calvin College in the United States of America to explore the multifaceted characteristics of prophetic ministries, with a view to examine how new media shape religious discourses and practices as well as religious landscape in Botswana. Read more

 

January 2016

The First International Conference on the Internet, Cyber Security and Information Systems

Department of Computer Science of the University of Botswana and the Department of Applied Information Systems of the University of Johannesburg will host the First International Conference on the Internet, Cyber Security and Information Systems, Gaborone, Botswana. Read more

 

November 2015

BIUST Hosted International Conference On Clean Energy For Sustainable Growth In Developing Countries The impact of uncontrolled energy use is manifested in its severe negative impact on the environment, cost, non-availability and non-affordability” adding that when energy provision is not sustainable then health, safety, comfort, productivity, education delivery and the general standard of living are compromised. Read more

US Embassy Commits to Education Development Botho University engaged in an international research conference under the theme ‘The future dynamics of higher education in a global society.’ Read more

 

August 2015

Universities Critical Partners The Assistant Minister of Education and Skills Development has urged participants of the Association of African Universities (AAU) leadership workshop to assist government by raising the productivity of its people through education, training, innovation and entrepreneurial capabilities. Read more