Botho University celebrates expansion across Africa
Botho University has grown from humble beginnings to become an internationally recognised institution with a footprint in numerous African countries. The University took time to reflect and appreciate its growth in the
Gaborone main mall during the commemoration of its Silver Jubilee. Minister of Communications, Knowledge and Technology, Thulaganyo Segokgo applauded the institution for their green technology efforts and their nomination in the Financial Times international finance corporation transformational business award 2022 for hybrid and flexible teaching and learning during the Covid- 19 pandemic. Segokgo explained that the institution started with just one classroom, 12 students, five staff members and has grown to a fully- fledged university on the verge of becoming the first local university with a base in western Africa. The Minister noted that the geographical expansion of BU into other economies is in line with government’s efforts of transforming Botswana into a knowledge economy. The Vice Chancellor of Botho University, Dr. Sheela Raja Ram noted that the institution’s identity is embedded in their name ‘ botho’ which they try to emulate in all that they do. Dr. Ram expressed gratitude that the institution has spread over the years into different nations such as Lesotho, Namibia, Eswatini and is about to open in Ghana. She noted that all their programmes in countries in which they operate, are accredited by local oversight bodies. This proves that the quality of education that their learners receive is always top notch. Dr. Ram said they had to overcome serious challenges as they are a private institution in Botswana, a nation which does not have proper funding mechanisms for private learners in tertiary institutions. Despite the financial strain that Botho University has experienced due to dwindling intake numbers of government sponsored learners, the institution has been able to grow and receive international recognition. “Our employability initiative was assessed by the International Finance Corporation,” Dr. Ram said, further noting that the feedback from the assessment is heartwarming as 97 percent of their Alumni recommends the institution to other people, an indicator that former learners value what they learned during their stay at the institution. Dr. Ram explained that the pandemic brought along major problems to the education sector such as the stalling of internship programme that all students must undergo. The institution resorted to virtual internship placements for their students in the Botswana and Lesotho campuses.
This programme gave learners the experience to work with organisations all over the world and according to Dr. Ram, some of them are remotely hired by these institutions. Dr. Ram further said Botho University is heavily invested in reaching the sustainable development goals to the point that they are using renewable energy to power the Gaborone campus. At the moment they are at producing 40 percent of their own power and they are feeding back into the city’s electrical power grid. “We cut our water consumption by 80 percent,” Ram noted, adding that their Gaborone campus is a green campus and BU students have even created an electric car named ‘ Genius One’, using recycled materials.
Dr. Ram explained that a true testament of the positive impact that their institution has had on the nation is that Botho University has been shortlisted for the Financial Times international finance corporation transformational business award 2022 for hybrid and flexible teaching and learning during Covid. “The next 25 years, in its uncharted territory could be a bumpy ride but you bet we will make it interesting,” Dr. Ram promised, adding that they march forward with great hopes. President of KTH Royal Institute of Technology Professor Sigbritt Karisson revealed that their partnership with Botho University covers the areas of students and staff exchanges. Professor Karisson indicated that the collaboration between the two institutions is challenge- driven and they seek to bring solutions to problems that plague today’s world. Professor Karisson noted that before the two institutions partnered, BU already showed keen interest in issues of sustainability and this reassured the KTH Royal Institute of Technology that this partnership would be a fruitful and prosperous union. Botho also runs the University charity golf tournament, which has so far benefitted the communities of Gakgatla, ( P50 000), Kubung Primary School ( P35 000) and Lesotho Community Project ( P25 000).