BA ISAGO University was honoured to host the Minister of Higher Education, Honourable Prince Maele, who visited with a distinguished delegation of fifteen Government officials from the Ministry, on the 23rd of June, 2026. The delegation included the Permanent Secretary Prof Richard Tabulawa, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Higher Education and Training Ms Yolinda Baletloa and Mr Tefo Moremi from the Ministry's Transformation Office. 

The visit formed part of a nationwide campaign to launch the Botswana Qualifications Authority (BQA) Norms and Standards across tertiary institutions in Botswana. Representing BA ISAGO, were members of Management, Senate and Student representatives. 

During his opening remarks, the Founder and Managing Director (MD) of BA ISAGO, Mr Odirile Bagwasi Gabasiane, proudly described the Institution as Botswana's leading entrepreneurial University, renowned for producing high-quality graduates who contribute meaningfully to national development. Reflecting on Botswana's educational journey, Mr Gabasiane recalled growing up during the era of brigades, which laid a foundation for community-based Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in the country. 

"Those brigades were not just schools," he said. "They were engines that propelled Botswana forward by building schools, laying water pipes, wiring early commercial centres and constructing the foundations of villages and towns across the nation. 

He highlighted BA ISAGO's commitment to aligning its growth with Botswana's national strategic goals, noting its successful transition from a specialised College into a home-grown University. Mr Gabasiane further revealed that the University is actively developing collaborative ecosystems both locally and internationally to establish and effectively implement TVET Programmes in line with the Government's priorities.  

Concluding his remarks, he assured the Minister that, with an enabling policy framework and continued support from Government, BA ISAGO is well-positioned to ensure that no Motswana is left behind in the quest to build an educated, capable and globally competitive nation.  

The President of the University, Dr Ruramayi Tadu, reinforced these achievements by highlighting the Institution's contribution towards addressing Botswana's unemployment challenge, currently estimated at 37%. He emphasised the importance of continuously tracking graduates through tracer studies to better understand their career progression and inform future Programme development. He further touched on the high impact which BA ISAGO makes on research, explaining how intentional the University is with regards to employing well versed Academic Staff members who are highly qualified and continue to do publications persistently.  

In his keynote address, Honourable Minister did not hold back on praising BA ISAGO and its leadership for running a magnificent Institution, delivering high quality and relevant Academic Programmes. He expressed satisfaction with the University's growing enrolment statistics as well as its graduate employability outcomes, citing tracer study findings that indicated a 63% graduate absorption rate into employment. “In BA ISAGO, we have found a strong strategic partner” declared the Minister.  

He continued to discuss the current Department of Tertiary Education Financing (DTEF) sponsorship cycle, encouraging Education and Training Providers (ETPs) to intensify their marketing efforts as Government sponsorships would not be allocated through quotas this year.  

Among the issues that generated significant interest was BA ISAGO’s upcoming 25th Anniversary Celebration, the Minister conveyed his keen interest in it, noting that he would be honoured to receive an invitation to participate in commemorating this momentous milestone.  

Recognising the University's commitment to international partnerships, the Minister encouraged BA ISAGO to expand its global engagement through student and staff exchange Programmes. He further applauded the Institution's efforts to assist its employees with staff development scholarships, he encouraged BA ISAGO Management to consider more Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives to support surrounding communities.  

In his concluding remarks, the Minister called upon BA ISAGO to seize emerging opportunities within the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector. He revealed that Government is preparing to make deliberate investments in TVET through increased sponsorship of students pursuing vocational and technical qualifications.  

He highlighted the critical importance of equipping the economy with the skills required for nation-al development, noting that institutions which align their Programmes with industry and national needs will play a pivotal role in Botswana's future growth.  

The day concluded on a positive and inspiring note, with both the Ministry delegation and the University community expressing confidence that they are collectively moving in the right direction towards advancing higher education, skills development and national transformation.