08 Oct 2017

The mismatch between skills acquired and the demands of the job market is a cause for concern that all institutions of higher learning must endeavor to address.

Delivering a keynote address at the Limkokwing University’s graduation ceremony on October 6, Vice President Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi implored the university and other institutions of higher learning to contribute to efforts aimed at addressing the problem.

He said the skills mismatch had been a trending issue for some time, noting that government would thus continue to sponsor students admitted to study programmes needed by the industries which were offered at

Limkokwing University; this being in recognition of the efforts that the university has for the 10 years of its existence in Botswana made which were aimed at helping to produce industry-ready graduates.

“I am appealing to Limkokwing University and other learning institutions to work closely with industries in projecting and training for the most needed skills to close this real or imaginary gap,” he said.

He said it was critical for learning institutions to start perceiving training and work holistically with the view to developing an end-to-end complete vertical integration of their reasons for existence.

Commending Limkokwing University for the efforts it had so far made, the Vice President said the institution had not only brought to Botswana 21st century learning programmes, but had contributed immensely to the transformation of the areas of television and media as well as design.

He said prior to the institution opening shop in Botswana, training in the two areas had not been as accessible locally as they were now.

Turning to the 934 graduates, Mr Masisi patted them on the back for having worked hard to complete their studies, saying their having successfully completed their different programmes had taken a lot of dedication and commitment towards realising their academic dreams.

Speaking earlier, the founder and president of Limkokwing University Prof Tan Sri Dato’ Paduka Limkokwing said the Botswana campus, which was opened in May 2007 remained at the forefront of creativity and innovation in Africa.

This, he said had resulted in the campus attracting students from over 30 countries. BOPA