BA ISAGO University pays homage to Botswana Government for Private ETPs Engagement
BA ISAGO University has lauded the Government for the support rendered to Private Education and Training Providers (ETPs) in the National Human Capital Development course. Speaking at the University of Botswana Alumni Reunion held on Friday (March 31, 2023), the Founder and Managing Director of BA ISAGO University, Mr. Odirile B. Gabasiane said that locally owned private ETPs have been allowed to strive and contribute immensely to Human Capital Development of Botswana, and BA ISAGO University is a testimony to that. BA ISAGO University is a 100% locally owned family business, founded and owned by Mr Gabasiane, his wife, Mrs Ruth Gabasiane and two other Batswana Shareholders. The duo is a proud University of Botswana Alumni and praised ‘Mmadikolo’ for serving as a springboard all their endeavours, successes and achievements.
Mr Gabasiane said from the skills, knowledge and training he and his wife acquired from the University of Botswana, they managed to see the gaps in the tertiary education learning and training sector, hence the birth of BA ISAGO University.
He further said the institution would not have enjoyed such success if the Government had not smoothened the playing ground for Private ETPs. Mr Gabasiane, an esteemed local educationalist said the government gave private ETPs a chance to assist in enhancing Human Capital Development in the country and today Government has been vindicated because the Private ETP sector accounts for almost 35% of the total enrollment of tertiary education students, while also preserving the Government’s coffers.
“This prudent and bold decision to support private ETPs demonstrates so much that the Government of Botswana believes in her people and institutions. After all, we are not in competition with other institutions. We are here to compliment their efforts and to forge win-win collaborations and partnerships towards human capital development in Botswana,” emphasized Mr Gabasiane.
He further observed that BA ISAGO University is a perfect example as the institution offers curriculum miles apart from other institutions. The M.D noted that the University is the only tertiary education institution that offers a Bachelor of Commerce in Actuarial Science, further citing new courses such as; a Bachelor of Science in Quantity Surveying, Bachelor of Arts in Landscape Architecture and Bachelor of Commerce in Fiscal Studies. He stated that BA ISAGO University’s programmes are contemporary, innovative and creative programmes that are informed by the socio-economic dynamics and imperatives of the 21st century economy.
Mr Gabasiane was addressing an esteemed nostalgic gathering at the UB Sports Centre, where he also gave useful tips on how the University of Botswana Alumni can forge ahead in their career endeavours upon graduation. He said the success of citizen-owned institutions such as BA ISAGO University should be viewed as a national success project, driven by locals who are proud products of ‘Mmadikolo’. He further called upon national leaders in the public and corporate sphere to inspire young generations through mentoring and professional guidance.
BA ISAGO was founded in 1999 as BA ISAGO Institute until 2001, when the institution became BA ISAGO University College, starting from Francistown in 2002. The institution then transformed into a fully-fledged University in June 2015 and currently has over 3000 students in its Gaborone, Francistown and Maun Campuses. The BA ISAGO Founder and MD had been selected to speak on behalf of thousands of UB Alumni, representing a cohort of UB products who have successfully made impactful contributions to Botswana’s socio-economic development.