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