Students and staff members at the North West University Mafikeng Campus celebrated the handover of eight new computer laboratories to various academic departments as a huge milestone in bridging the technological divide.
Prof Sevid Mashego, director for special projects at the institution, recently handed over the facilities to various faculties.
As a result, the campus now boasts a total of 30 laboratories across various schools, faculties and departments.
IT director at the university, Claudia Pietersen, said the computer laboratories would be used for different reasons and activities.
“In trying to keep up with the fast-growing technology, the laboratories have been fully equipped with modern technology and will put students at an advantage, even those not studying computers, giving them access to modern technology,” she said.
In his remarks, Prof Mashego said that the facilities should bridge the digital divide among students and make it easier for their academic life on campus.
“However, it must come as an obligation to the campus community that everyone strives to nurture these facilities and make the utmost use of them.
“These are your properties and you need to use them knowing that others after you would also want to derive benefits from them,” he said.
Campus rector Prof Dan Kgwadi congratulated everyone who played a role in making sure that the projects saw the light of day.
“With a large cohort of students coming to this campus, this is not and can never be enough,” he said.
“But we are committed to bringing the best of facilities to our students.
“We would like to appreciate efforts from the special projects team and everyone who took part in making sure that we have these facilities today.
“Let us make use of them and be counted among the best in e-learning technology.”
Students said they welcomed the development and that the facilities came in handy for those without experience in computer technology and the internet.
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