Limkokwing University Botswana opened its doors to the Minister of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology, the Honourable Dr. Alfred Madigele on 12 September 2017.
The visit started off with a comprehensive campus tour which introduced Dr. Madigele and his entourage to the University’s ecosystem. In particular, the honoured guests were impressed by the Special Needs Unit on campus.
On behalf of the Founder and President of Limkokwing University, Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Paduka Dr. Lim Kok Wing, the tour was conducted by campus Director for Academic Management, Ms. Onalenna Phambuka, who spoke extensively on the University’s ongoing efforts for inclusive education.
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“In efforts of expanding education for all, the University has established the largest special needs department within the tertiary landscape of this country and has so far graduated over 50 special needs graduates. We have also seen the interest shown by other countries like Namibia in this department by sponsoring a number of special needs students to our Botswana campus which indeed is a remarkable milestone,” she said.
Delivering his keynote address, Dr. Madigele said, “A visit to the University’s Special Needs Unit, and my interaction with special needs students from here at home and the region, was the highlight of my campus tour. I witnessed how the University has gone to great lengths to cater for students with disabilities so that they too can gain tertiary institution qualifications that will improve their livelihoods like their able-bodied counterparts.”
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The minister further pointed out that as technology grows and improves, Botswana needed to be at the cutting edge of change brought about by such improvements.
Three Limkokwing University students, amongst them an international student and a special needs student, were given the opportunity to speak on behalf of all international students currently enrolled at Limkokwing Botswana.
Tapiwa Anifasi from Zimbabwe mentioned how compassionate the nation of Botswana is. He continued to say, “I am proud. We are proud to carry our various national flags and proclaim that Botswana has made it possible for us. Limkokwing University has opened doors for us and never has the future looked brighter.”
Boago Gosenyang, a blind special needs student pursuing an Associate Degree in Public Relations, expressed his immense gratitude to the Ministry of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology and the government of Botswana for giving them free education.
“Possibly being the only country in the world that has taken education so seriously, we are indeed a shining example. I can stand before you here today confidently and say I am proud to be a Motswana, and I am thankful to the government of Botswana for giving me hope and a chance to build a career for myself,” Boago acknowledged.