12 Students Awarded Prestigious BGA Motshameko O Phepha Scholarships for Advanced Studies
In a landmark initiative aimed at advancing research and innovation within Botswana’s gambling industry, twelve outstanding students were awarded the Botswana Gambling Authority (BGA) Motshameko O Phepha Scholarships on the 10th of October 2024, at the Grand Area Hotel. The scholarships are a product of a recent Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the BGA and the University of Botswana (UB).
The scholarships, awarded to Master’s students and PhD candidates, will fund research in various areas of the gambling sector under UB's supervision. During the award ceremony, UB Vice Chancellor, Professor David Norris, applauded the BGA for its commitment to fostering innovation, research and economic growth. He underlined the importance of collaborations between higher education institutions and industry in driving the country's economic transformation towards a knowledge-based and diversified economy. Professor Norris reiterated UB’s ambition of becoming a research-intensive university, with a strategic focus on expanding its cohort of postgraduate students.
Botswana Gambling Authority CEO, Mr Emolemo Kesitilwe, described the partnership as a critical investment in the future of Botswana’s gambling industry. He highlighted that the Motshameko O Phepha Scholarship not only supported academic excellence but also contributed to the growth of the gambling sector, fostering sustainable development and thought leadership. He also underlined the BGA's commitment to promoting inclusivity, particularly through support for persons with disabilities.
Furthermore, UB’s Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, Professor Agreement Lathi Jotia, emphasised the role of postgraduate education in driving innovation, creativity and knowledge that was crucial for Botswana's transition to a knowledge-based economy. He encouraged the recipients to focus on their academic journey and maximise the opportunities presented by the scholarship.
The partnership underscores the vital role of research and education in shaping the future of Botswana’s gambling industry and contributing to the country’s economic diversification and development.