Page 14 - issue 19
P. 14

14                            In The News


         UB community must dream of things


           that might be, and ask, “why not”?


























            President Dr Masisi (L), Vice Chancellor  Professor
                  David Norris and Ms Linah Mohohlo            gmages source UBwebsite)

                   ormer Reserve Bank governor  Ms Linah K Mohohlo  have  the  knowhow  to  transform  regional  economies  to
                   challenged  the  Univerity  of  Botswana  Graduates  knowledge-based economies.
                   and  staff  at  the  graduation  ceremony  held  on  “A university is a place where those who hate ignorance may
                   October  13  2019.She  was  honored  to  take  the  strive  to  know;  where  those  who  perceive  the  truth  strive
          Fplace  of    President    Dr    Masisi  .This    follows  the  to make others see.  This is the environment UB must seek
          detachment of the position of Chancellor from the first office  to instill at all times. To paraphrase Robert Kennedy, the UB
          of the land – the country’s Presidency – in line with Section 7  community  should  not  see  and  accept  things  as  they  are;
          (1) of the University of Botswana Act of 2008. She thanked the  instead, the UB community must dream of things that might
          former chancellor for giving her the opportunity to make a  be,  and  ask,  “why  not”?    With  this  in  mind,  we  must  find
          contribution to the affairs of the University of Botswana (UB)  new  and  innovative  ways  to  grow  our  research  and  in  the
          as this was a privilege and honor as this was  the first time that  process, improve lives and livelihoods” She said.  A lot can be
          the position is occupied by Female ordinary Citizen.  learnt from her time as Reserve Bank Governor in Botswana
                                                               as she comes to UB with a wealth of international and local
          Ms Mohohlo was bold in her approach stating that “Those  experience.
          who have followed my career will readily acknowledge that  In her ending remarks of the acceptance speech she notably
          I  brought  several  changes  to  the  position  of  central  bank  said that, “it is my pledge to encourage a paradigm shift in
          Governor.  Traditionally,  Governors  were  like  children  in  education  service  delivery  platforms.  We  must  fully  exploit
          a  traditional  conservative  setting;  they  were  there  to  be  the digital world to deliver knowledge and facilitate student/
          seen, not to be heard. I changed that paradigm and spoke,  faculty member interaction. The possibilities are only limited
          sometimes  outspokenly,  on  various  issues  of  relevance,  by daring our own imagination.”
          addressing conferences, here at home and internationally, on
          issues of global economic and financial governance. I believe  At the same event President Masisi was given an honorary
          we can bring that spirit to UB”.                     Doctorate Of Laws. Dr Masisi  and Linah Mohohlo  are both
          She  spoke  of  the  many  changes  she  wants  to  see  being  alumni of the university and both echoed the same sentiments
          implemented  at  the  university  but  she  had  her  eye  on  when  the  President  said,  “I  still  stand  on  that  promise  as
          the  development  of  a  partnership  between  USA’s  Rutgers  an  alumnus  of  the  University  of  Botswana  and  promise
          University and UB stating that this development would be a  to  immense  myself  in  to  helping  the  University  became
          step in the right direction, given the benefit that would accrue  relevant  to  the  demands  of  a  knowledge  based  society.  I
          to staff and students who are already thirsty for knowledge  pledge to use all means available to me to develop national
          and deserving of first rate quality education. More broadly,  and international links that will help advance the vision and
          the student body is already a talented and diverse cohort from  mission of the University of Botswana to be a leading center
          the region and beyond, pursuing diversified study programs,  of academic excellence in Africa and world”.
          some  as  engineers  and  researchers,  who  would  ultimately

           Issue 19  Oct/Nov - 2018               www.engineermagazine.co.bw                                                                                            www.engineermagazine.co.bw                     Issue 19  Oct/Nov - 2018
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