The University of Botswana Foundation has awarded scholarships to 37 deserving graduates to pursue Masters Degrees in various disciplines in the University during the 2018/19 academic year.
The graduates received their scholarships at the University on October 18, 2018. Speaking at the event, Vice Chancellor, Professor David Norris, said since its launch on March 24, 2000 as nonprofit Trust, the Foundation has ensured that many Batswana had access to higher learning.
Professor Norris said the Foundation has achieved a lot in its 18 years of existence especially the establishment of the Graduate Scholarship Endowment Fund which was set up in 2004 with an investment over P1 million to ensure that as many Batswana as possible had access to high education. Since then it has made a number of contributions towards meeting the strategic objective of increasing the number of full time graduate students at the university.
Meanwhile, Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Dr Oatlhokwa Nkomazana, said she appreciated contribution from the private sector and stakeholders to assist the University realise its objectives.
The UB Foundation together with other stakeholders such as the private sector mobilise resources through a number of initiatives to make sure that they complement government efforts of making higher education accessible to as many students as possible.
Among stakeholders who contributed immensely to the foundation include American Northern Trust, Investec Asset Management, Stanbic Bank, Dynamic Insurance Brokers, Letshego Holdings, Motor Centre, IDM, BOCRA, AON, Debswana, Hollard Life Botswana, Banc ABC and Laurelton Diamond.
Other dignitaries who graced the award ceremony included UB Chancellor, Ms Linah Mohohlo, Bank of Botswana Governor, Mr Moses Pelaelo and UB Foundation Scholarships Chairman and Board of Trustees, Mr Satar Dada.