Vice-Chancellor and Principal Prof. Pamela Dube recently delivered a keynote address at the 7th Botswana Open University class of 2024/25 graduation ceremony, themed “Inclusive Growth: Towards a Knowledge-Based Future."

As she extended her congratulations, Prof. Pamela Dube underscored the significance of this graduation as a pivotal milestone in the graduates' lives. She acknowledged the societal challenges that lie ahead and the graduates' unique opportunity and responsibility to apply their knowledge and skills to address them. She also urged them to reflect on their experiences and context, emphasising the resilience and persistence they have demonstrated. “This graduation marks a significant stage in your lives. It is a clear demonstration of your resilience and persistence despite the challenges.”

When unpacking the theme, Prof. Dube posed a thought-provoking question to the graduates: How do you see yourselves contributing to the success of the Botswana National Vision 2036? She stressed that this vision is a government initiative and a collective responsibility that speaks to all of them. “Your education and skills are not just for personal growth but for the transformation of Botswana from an upper middle to a high-income country by 2036. This theme should challenge you to reflect on your experiences and context.  I am aware that you come from different socio-economic and professional backgrounds.  You must consider each other’s contexts and circumstances as you interact and endeavour to accommodate them accordingly. Furthermore, the fact that your studies have enabled you to grow should be demonstrated in your agility and ability to meaningfully respond to present challenges and opportunities. We want to see in you a manifestation of employability traits and an entrepreneurial mindset,” said Prof. Dube.

She added that a Knowledge-Based Future means that graduates use their newly acquired skills to generate new knowledge through research and innovation and disseminate such knowledge to ensure societal impact. “In this regard, I urge you to continue to use your skills and knowledge to effectively participate in the research agenda of your country and beyond. The answer lies in making your education count by actively participating in community initiatives to promote a knowledge society,” she added.

As academic partners and friends, the two universities have signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate training and skills development in ventures such as collaborative research projects, joint academic and scientific activities, and the exchange of research and teaching personnel. This collaboration has since yielded positive outcomes that are mutually beneficial.

In conclusion, Prof. Dube reminded the graduates to continue upskilling, remain relevant to the ever-changing times, and explore gaps in their current setups. “I know that you come from different professional backgrounds; some are employed, some self-employed, and yet some are unemployed.  Whatever your situation is, please note that whatever you do should be meaningful to you and those you interact with. Take full charge of your life and do what you truly believe in. I have no doubt that your studies at BOU have enabled you to navigate through the daunting challenges of life and that you are fully prepared for such. Aim to be current, for the more current you are, the greater your ability to explore which aspects of the fastest growing jobs you can gear yourself towards and what additional skills you can marshal to make that happen. As the new graduates and alumni of the BOU, I urge you to continue using your skills and knowledge to effectively participate in the research agenda of your country and beyond. Once again, congratulations, congratulations, and congratulations!!!”