Sunday, November 10, 2024

Mogae to be inaugurated BIUST’s first Chancellor

Former President Festus Mogae is expected to make history by being inaugurated as the first and founding Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) Chancellor.

BIUST Director of Communications and Public Affairs, Shakie Kebaswele this week told The Telegraph that Mogae, the new Chancellor of BIUST, had been appointed in accordance with Section 6 of the BIUST Act, 2005.

Kebaswele pointed out that Mogae’s immediate roles include conferring certificates, diplomas, degrees and PhDs on the graduates of the University and may, in his absence, be assisted by the Chairman of the BIUST Council. He said that the Chancellor guides on strategic issues of the University in consultation with the Chairman of Council and the Vice Chancellor.

Kebaswele added that in this function the Chancellor ensures that the University makes a significant impact on the economic growth of the country through sustainable development of the human capital.

“The BIUST Chancellor does not earn any income for being in that position. However, the appointing authority for this position is the Office of the President and may be for more details that office may shed more light in this respect,” he said.

Kebaswele also revealed that Mogae has been briefed twice so far since he was appointed. He said that the plan is to have him briefed on a quarterly basis in order to ensure that he is well up-to date with the operations of the University. He further stated that Chancellor Mogae may request to be briefed by either the Council or Management as and when he deems necessary, and when requests are made, the two governance organs of the University must be ready to provide such                 briefings.

“We expect President Ian Khama to inaugurate the new Chancellor on September 21 at our main campus in Palapye. Mogae is certainly an eminent person. As you may be aware, the BIUST is the brainchild of Mogae,” he said.

Members of the BIUST Council consist of Tembo Lebang as the Chairperson, Professor Steve Howell as Acting Vice Chancellor, Dr. Shabani Ndzinge-Deputy Vice Chancellor Finance and Administration, Dr. Wayne Clark-Acting Provost and Vice Provost for Student Affairs as well as Dr. Edison Selaolo who is Vice Chairperson. The list also includes Grace Muzila, Thuli Johnson, Valencia Mogegeh, Cornelius Dekop, Spencer Kaisara, Bilkis Moorad, Kaelo Mokomo and Carter Morupisi.  

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