BA ISAGO University hosts its 14th Graduation Ceremony

BA ISAGO University continued its commitment to contribute to Botswana’s human capital needs as it graduated 804 students during its 14th Graduation Ceremony, which was held on the 15^th of October, 2021.The Ceremony was held virtually in line with the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, at the University’s Gaborone Campus. In an effort to become a pacesetter in the tertiary education space, the University graduated students from different Faculties being, the Faculty of the Built Environment, Arts and Science, the Faculty of Commerce, the Faculty of Law and Para-legal Studies and the Faculty of Education.

Giving his address the Managing Director, Mr. Odirile B. Gabasiane mentioned that as one of Botswana’s leading Private Tertiary Education and Training Providers, BA ISAGO programmes are rigorously assured by internal mechanisms and external validation bodies, and are delivered by well qualified and experienced academic staff, utilizing modern ICT enabled facilities. The Managing Director also mentioned that the University will celebrate almost two decades of existence in February 2022 and that they have so much to rejoice about as they look back on the immense contributions to the human capital development needs of Botswana. ‘’BA ISAGO University has produced over 15 000 graduates to date, and these are men and women who have contributed to the socio-economic development of the country,” he said. The Managing Director noted that, not only has the BA ISAGO University brand transformed in the diversity of market-driven programmes it offers but also in terms of reputation, stature and integrity regionally. He said as an emerging comprehensive university, BA ISAGO launched the School of Graduate Studies and Research (SGSR) in March 2021, which is set to become the innovation and research hub of the Institution. 

The Managing Director spoke highly of the landscape of the University’s three Campuses, particularly the Gaborone campus that boasts a unique beauty, arising from landscaping and environmental conservation. The University strongly subscribes to the dictates of promoting a green and eco-friendly environment. “The leadership of the University long took a strong and informed position that BA ISAGO should lead by example in this regard”, said Mr Gabasiane. Concluding his remarks, Mr Gabasiane also urged graduates to make meaningful contributions to the socio-economic development of the country.

The newly appointed President of BA ISAGO University, Dr Ruramayi Tadu, alluded that the University has, despite COVID-19 disruptions, made efforts to stay ahead and that he is happy to report that the New Learning Management System that the University procured last year is in the final stages of deployment. This system is a great enabler for the teaching and learning environment. The University, like any other tertiary institution in the 21st Century is fully aware that  robust ICT infrastructure is a non-negotiable requirement for teaching and learning, research and innovation. The University is reorganizing itself to widen access to students and increase  student numbers by intensifying on the online system. Dr Tadu continued to say, “in line with the University’s quest to provide quality education and experiences to students, the University is in the final stages of ISO 9001, 2015 Botswana Bureau of Standards Certification and as per the Strategic Plan 2018-2022”. He concluded by mentioning that this is a major milestone which will validate the claim that the University is indeed a quality led institution with a very strong commitment to excelling in whatever they do.

Local Enterprise Authority Chief Executive Officer, Dr Racious Moatshe, who was keynote speaker on the day, said the 14th Graduation signified yet another milestone in the history of the University. Dr Moatshe said the story of BA ISAGO speaks of an indigenous brand that has exhibited resilience, persistence, undeniable growth and commitment to the advancement of human capital in Botswana over the years. He said BA ISAGO’s achievement needs to be applauded, adding that although it was founded from humble beginnings, the University plays a key role in the sphere of education and skills training, offering highly marketable programmes tailor made for Botswana manpower needs and that of the region. He said the institutions’ programmes are also tailor made for Botswana’s economic needs and this is inspiring as it gives hope for a better Botswana. He noted that BA ISAGO has the potential to produce entrepreneurs. This, he said, implores graduates to demonstrate their ability by contributing to the country’s economic transformation.

Giving a testimonial, Ms Bonolo Ramoshibidu one of the graduates of BA ISAGO University, said she would recommend BA ISAGO University to anyone because of the quality of programmes and the beautiful, refreshing landscape.

BA ISAGO University offered several awards to the best performing students. The overall Best Student, Ms Queen K. Leatame, delivering her address said one thing that she would like to commend BA ISAGO University for, is making sure that students get experience of what is happening in their respective industries. Ms Leatame mentioned that the institution sends its students for industrial attachment in their 3rd year of study and through this process, students are well informed of the labour market and its complexities. She noted that she also got the privilege of experiencing the workplace whilst schooling, which made her ready for the industry upon completion of my study

For those who missed the Graduation Ceremony, they can visit BA ISAGO’s YouTube channel to view the full video.