26 Aug 2024

Deputy Vice Chancellor of Research and Innovation at the Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST), Prof Abraham Ogwu says transforming education through technology can build innovative learning platforms to empower the next generation.

Prof Ogwu said this at the closing ceremony of the National Science Week in Tlokweng on Friday.

 “It is a pleasure to see pupils among us to give them the skills and an opportunity to prepare for the future job markets thus revolutionising education with technology, building tomorrow’s learning platforms,” said Prof Ogwu.

He said the world continued to integrate technology into education as a clear sign of preparing students for a tech-savvy future.

Prof Ogwu observed that Botswana is on its golden age, the second gold is on the innovation and technology to bridge the digital divide and ensure that every learner has access to the tools and resources they need to succeed in the 21st century.

 He elaborated that adaptive learning  and intelligent tutoring systems tailor educational content to individual needs as they enhance students understanding.

He said social inclusion is central to ending poverty and fostering shared prosperity as well as empowering the marginalised and vulnerable population.

“Botswana will be a society where everyone has equal opportunity to actively participate in the economic development of the country,” he noted.

The Chairperson of National Science Week Organising Committee Dr Haniro Motlhabane, said different stakeholders, individuals, as well as science and technology enthusiasts displayed their inventions, literary and artistic works in science technology and innovation.

“It showed that Botswana has many science activities going on with a diverse population of science expertise as some of the activities of the Science Week included seminars, competitions, panel discussions and debates,” he said.

He explained that the objective of the week was to raise public awareness of science, technology and innovation in daily life through various interactive platforms.

Dean of  the Faculty of Sciences at Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN), Prof Moatlhodi Kgosimore, said the goal was to build a society that has the necessary knowledge about science and can form its own opinions about science matters.

“Science is all around us and people from all sectors are encouraged to participate and demonstrate how they relate to technology,” said Prof Kgosimore.

He said in an effort to transform the food systems in Botswana, farmers should  invest and be empowered with innovative knowledge of turning agriculture into a business.

“Government is committed to transforming the sector through improved programmes and schemes, including the use of modern agricultural technology for enhanced and maximised results,” he said.

He said it is time to create platforms to exchange innovative practices focusing on the understanding of indigenous knowledge and adoption of climate smart agriculture and technology. Ends