Meet the first Principal of BA ISAGO
Meet the first Principal of BA ISAGO University College. She was at the helm when the doors opened on 17th of February 2002. Back then, they had a collaboration with Boston City Campus and Business College to offer Diploma courses as well as the University of South Africa (UNISA) to offer some of their programmes. In 2004, however, Government decided to phase out teachers without Diplomas.
“The teachers’ jobs were on the line and they needed to up-skill and we were ready with the NPDE programme from UNISA. It was a huge success and we never looked back,” says Anamika Singh. She is now country Director for Amity Online and Director at Business System Consultants, since she parted ways with the University in 2019.
Singh has seen the Institution evolve and transform into different phases towards its achievement of the vision to be a University - a status which it attained in 2015. By that time, however, she was no longer Principal. As the Institution grew, it needed to transform its structures and Singh ended up heading marketing.
“The building blocks we put to lay the foundation eventually happened, and I feel proud to see my brand growing higher and higher. It’s an inspiration to everyone as years go by. Even now, when I’m on my own, I see my relationship with BA ISAGO as something special. We have bonded so much, we are family,” she says.
Though she modestly acknowledges her contribution, she quickly shifts all the glory to the leadership. “Apart from the vision, there was great inspiration and commitment. Not every brand could traverse through such hardships. Perseverance is key and this is what was instilled at BA ISAGO. I feel a sense of pride,” she stated.
Singh further revealed that the leadership had a clear vision, valued and nurtured people and was loyal. These are the values that drove the Institution to be where it is today.
“If I worked until 10pm, Mr Gabasiane would knock off at 3am and make sure his vision is understood. He inspired people to achieve greater things in honesty and never giving in to pressure, but doing everything according to the law. That way we can’t be denied what we achieved, he would say”. Would she be Principal of BA ISAGO now? “BA ISAGO has become an entity that no longer depends on personal wishes. It is a totally different animal. I’m not capable,” she admits and chuckles.
Singh has footprints in the foundation of BA ISAGO such as the development of Student Information Management System and taking the Institution to Rwanda, Zambia, Namibia, Uganda international career fairs. At HRDC career fairs, BA ISAGO was the top Private University in the exhibitions for four successive years.
She also helped establish a sister company, BA ISAGO Events and Marketing and working with other stakeholders, she started the BA ISAGO Alumni Association. She stated, “from 2007, we started working on policies and procedures for the University status. In 2013 we submitted to BQA and thus began the transformation process.
Our drive to be a reputable and credible Institution catapulted us and pushed our market share to 20-35%. We have set a strong foundation and a strong brand which is still being further refined, going forward, she stated.”