16 Oct 2017

Ba Isago University class of 2017 is the most powerful because it has at its command the most advanced and amazing technology which no previous generation has ever possessed or dreamt of, says Assistant Minister of Basic Education, Mr Moiseraele Goya.

Speaking at the o10th anniversary of the Ba Isago graduatin ceremony on Friday,  Mr Goya said the graduates had the power to achieve the nation’s most ambitious and grandest purposes, and to make possible what may seem impossible. He added that they could create a new or different Botswana which no previous graduates had ever been afforded the opportunity to do.

He said with the national vision having reached its expiration in 2016, the government has unveiled Vision 2036 which was still faced with a number of challenges.

“In spite of the gains achieved, we are still faced with a number of challenges, and that past successes do not necessarily guarantee future success, and that which was the bedrock or foundation of past achievements will not support us in the immediate, mid-term or long-term future,” he said.

Mr Goya further explained that the country’s aspirations were contained in Vision 2036 and were consistent with the global responsibilities and undertakings under international covenants, most notably the “sustainable development goals for the year 2030 (SDG 2030) intended to end poverty and hunger in efforts of achieving food security as well as promoting inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting life-long learning opportunity for all.

“Tertiary education providers, including Ba Isago University, have got to recognise these continually evolving developmental challenges and imperatives, and must, therefore, develop both the dexterity and reflexivity to continuously adapt, attune and recalibrate programme content and learning outcomes with economy-led or industry-dictated changes and necessities if these are not to become irrelevant,” he added.

The assistant minister challenged graduates to re-define themselves. “Are you the generation which was raised in more bounteous and plentiful times in terms of employment opportunities or are you a new generation, forged with a new era of austerity which requires the need for you to pull yourselves up and do more for your nation.”

For his part, the president of Ba Isago University, Dr Roshen Kishun advised the graduates to take opportunities presented after their graduation as they come.

He said collaboration between the Ministry of Basic Education, Botswana Qualifications Authority and DTEF would continue to ensure that the government continued to produce the best graduates.

This year, 612 students graduated from Ba Isago University with 18 students receiving excellence awards for displaying academic excellence from their peers.

The graduation ceremony was held under the theme: Knowledge Empowers Progress. ENDS