Vice Chancellor, Professor David Norris, has commended outgoing Nigerian Ambassador to Botswana, Ambassador Zainab Umar Salisu, for his instrumental role in luring prospective students from Nigeria to the University of Botswana.
He was speaking at a dinner he hosted for him at his residence recently. Professor Norris said Ambassador Salisu had been of great assistance to the University of Botswana in that he facilitated, among others, the recruitment of students from Nigeria.
He said the University of Botswana’s drive to recruit international students kicked off in Nigeria after Ambassador Salisu played an instrumental role to make sure the process was smooth. Professor Norris added that the visit to Nigeria was not only about recruitment of students but also to forge collaborations and partnerships with various Nigerian universities.
“He made everything possible. Our journey to Nigeria was so smooth because he said I am going to support you. He took us to all relevant authorities in Nigeria. I want to thank you for that,” explained Professor Norris who said he received news that Ambassador Salisu was leaving with mixed emotions.
He commended Ambassador Salisu for promoting intra-Africa collaborations and partnerships because with common challenges, solutions were easy to find and implement. Professor Norris expressed the hope that Ambassador Salisu would continue supporting the University of Botswana and luring Nigerian investors to Botswana as evidenced by his relentless efforts to facilitate one of Africa and Nigeria’s richest businessmen, Aliko Dangote, to visit Botswana.
In Response, Ambassador Salisu promised to continue his support and playing an ambassadorial role for both the University of Botswana and Botswana. He said Nigeria was endowed with a lot of researchers who could be of great benefit to the University of Botswana.
Giving a vote of thanks, Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Professor Happy Siphambe, said Ambassador was a true friend. He asked Ambassador Salisu to make sure that the relationship between the University of Botswana and Nigerian Embassy continued to blossom.
Professor Siphambe recalled that when the University of Botswana introduced PhDs in the Faculty of Social Sciences, they got a lot of support from the Nigerian community and universities. He observed that Africa would prosper more if its all institutions and other entities continued to work together for a common goal.