- celebrates silver jubilee
The official launch of Ba Isago University’s Maun Campus this past Friday did not only mark the celebration of 25 years anniversary milestone, but also past achievements and new developments they have infused into their institution.
The 6 blocks facility comprising; 5 classrooms and a library, so far has over 400 learners enrolled for long term courses in business management, law studies and information technology among others.
Speaking at the event Ba Isago University Deputy Chairperson, Ruth Gabasiane stated “Baisago was established in 2002 at Francistown with just 50 students, and by then private institutions did not receive financial support needed from the government as there were no long-term sponsored students enrolled. This made us struggle and forced us to seek partnerships from other private companies.”
Over the past years the government then made amendments to the higher learning area to support private institutions and enrol long term students. “This amendment, highly improved our situation and contributed largely to our growth as a private institution,” she said.
Baisago University currently has over 3000 students across all its campuses in Maun, Francistown and Gaborone areas.
Ruth stated that one of the developments they have introduced in their institution include the adoption of some emergency training short courses such as “Fire prevention and management, vehicle extrication and First aid training among others.” She said these courses do not only target tertiary students but relevant employees in various fields.
She mentioned that “by empowering, training and facilitating employees with relevant skills and knowledge applicable in their respective professions, we do not want anyone to be left behind, we believe this will contribute highly to increased productivity in the workplace.”
Ruth added “and it also aligns with our vision 2036 pillars; sustainable economic and developed nation, human social development and sustainable environment”.
Meanwhile Baisago University Managing Director, Odirile Gabasiane stated they have incorporated BSC Landscape Architecture courses which are highly demanded as the country is ready to adopt greening techniques, particularly Maun region which is high likely to be transformed into a green city.
Odirile mentioned that one of the challenges they have however is the reluctance by government in honouring private- public partnerships.
Furthermore, one of Baisago University’s business partner, Hospitality and Tourism Association of Botswana (HATAB), Chief Executive Officer, Lily Rakorong, applauded Baisago University for considering workforce empowerment.
She said in order for various industries such as business, education and tourism to grow, skills development is much anticipated. Rakorong highlighted Botswana’s tourism industry is growing rapidly and as such graduates and professionals are relevant to join the industry. She classified that education as a catalyst for transformation, effectiveness and the nation’s development.
Baisago University Executive Coordinator stated however, there is minimal Technical and Vocational Education Training- TVET coverage on some sectors including; creative industry, digital media, Artificial Intelligence, aviation, mining and minerals sectors among others in Botswana. He said it is crucial for tertiary institutions in Botswana to consider incorporating those.
Baisago University currently offers over 70 long term and over 70 short term training courses for both tertiary students and employees across various sectors. The institution continues to incorporate new emergency training short courses to their facilities including the unusual auctioneering.
