Limkokwing University of Creative Technology a graduation ceremony for 959 graduates in Gaborone over the weekend.

The university, which was established in 2007, presented Bachelor degrees and Associate degrees to the graduating students who are the pioneers of the university.

In its three years of existence, the university has opened doors of opportunities for many young Batswana to further their studies. After the decision by government to encourage private sector involvement in providing tertiary education, Limkokwing absorbed many young people and equipped them with the necessary skills and knowledge for them to survive in this competitive world.

Addressing the graduates at the ceremony, former President, Mr Festus Mogae noted that the policy came about in recognition that skilled and knowledgeable people are critical to national development, adding that the development of the human resource has always been at the core of government development policies since independence.

Therefore, Mr Mogae said the government decided to sponsor students admitted at private local institutions a few years ago.

“Quality should be the ultimate goal of every education institution whether public or private. With quality education you can produce products that can compete with others for job opportunities and business ventures,” stated Mr Mogae.

Furthermore, he said that students who graduate from this university should contribute to the development of technology in Botswana, as their institution is of high technology, adding that they are expected to also be ‘confident enough to start their own businesses’ as creative individuals.

Mr Mogae said creativity and innovation have risen to the top of many countries’ economic agendas hence the Limkokwing graduates can build products and services that the world will desire.

In his address, the President of Limkokwing University Professor Tan Sri Dato’ Limkokwing, who referred to his students as the ‘gems of Botswana’, said that three years back when the institution was established he believed they will be the generation that will change the way people think and become the driving force of change by acquiring new knowledge and cutting edge skills.

Referring to his graduates as movers and shakers of Botswana, Prof Limkokwing said the future will always be driven by innovation and creativity.

“The future is anything you want it to be, your future is now in your hands,” he said.

He charged that graduates of Limkokwing have a reputation to live up to, and he urged them to uphold the ‘good name of this university’ at all times.

He further urged and encouraged them to be exemplary citizen and contribute selflessly to society, their country and the well being of humanity.

Limkokwing University Botswana which started operating from Fairgrounds Mall in 2007 opened another campus in Block Six in June 2007 before moving to its main campus in July 2008.

It has 611 staff members with 502 of them being local.

The class of 2009 graduated local students as well as international students from Lesotho, Kenya, South Africa and Swaziland.