The event was held under the theme, “UB Alumni: Our Gateway To Academic Excellence” and in attendance was generations past UB students including president, Mokgweetsi Masisi and South Africa’s minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Naledi Pandor.
Speaking at the occasion UB Chancellor, Tebelelo Seretse said the occasion presented the UB former students a moment to reminisce on the yester-schooling-years.
‘Mmadikolo’ being the first tertiary learning institution in the country has contributed immensely to the development of the country in the past 41 years on existence.
Seretse said the institution has birthed the captain leaders in the public service, private sector and the political sphere of Botswana. “As an institution we should know by now that maintaining good relationships with alumni community can help both post graduates and partnership in many ways. The alumni community can offer career advise to emerging professionals, new graduates need mentors. They need someone with in their discipline to guide them to explore their talents,” Seretse said.
For his part Masisi said UB is a might of an institution and upon is foundation echoed the spirit of self reliance by Batswana. Masisi paid homage to the Batswana that contributed to the foundation of the institution that was aided by the ‘Motho Le Motho, Kgomo’ (One man, One Beast) national appeal. Through the notion, Batswana contributed anything of value to the building of the UB and Masisi said the next generations should draw inspirations and values from the forefathers’ dedicated that led to formation on ‘Mmadikolo’. “Let us take a moment to reflect and appreciate what sacrifices the generations that came before us did so that we as their off springs enjoy. It is not only the structure that we pride ourselves with but We have turned to men and women of stature that we are today,” Masisi said.
Pandor could not hide her excitement on the evening as she said UB had made her in to the person she. Pandor was one of the expatriate students to study at the institution’s early years on formation. She said UB was formed during a time when there were political unrest in the region and provided a harbour for the rest of the African students to study in.
Pandor said the institution held high African values and the students regardless of their origin, felt at home. She went on to plead with the alumni community to share ideas with the current generation of students and staff to better the institution, the education systems in Botswana and general contribution in the development of the country.
Local educationalist, Odirile Gabasiane credited UB for serving as a springboard in his endeavour, success and achievements. Gabasiane is the founder and general manager of BA ISAGO University and said Mmadikolo has played a key role in the formation of the private tertiary institution.
