18 Sep 2023

Graduates from colleges of education and the Institute of Health Services would do well to prioritise innovation and serve their country before considering prospects abroad. 

The Assistant Minister of Education and Skills Development, Ms Nnaniki Makwinja said this at the 13th University of Botswana Affiliated Institutions joint graduation ceremony held at the UB Sports Arena on Friday. 

Ms Makwinja urged the graduates to harness their potential and generate original ideas that could contribute to the development and progress of the country. While commending the graduates for their accomplishment, she underscored the importance of working for country before seeking opportunities elsewhere. 

“We are aware that opportunities abroad are lucrative, especially for nurses, but loss of skilled workforce here can result in lack of innovation and the country might face shortage of skilled personnel,” she said.

The assistant minister advised teacher graduates to effectively utilise the skills they had acquired and consider opening businesses such as day care centers and pre-schools among others, all the while embracing innovation. She emphasised the importance of embracing 

President Mokgweetsi Masisi's mindset change campaign, adding that by so doing graduates could leverage the skills and expertise acquired to not only find employment but also to create job opportunities for others. 

Giving a word of advice to those who would be absorbed by the labour market, the Assistant Minister encouraged them to value and respect the skilled workforce they would find for proper skills exchange. 

It was only by fostering an environment of mutual respect and appreciation, that there could be a fruitful exchange of skills and knowledge, she said. 

Meanwhile, acting permanent secretary in the Ministry of Education & Skills Development, Mr Mmoloki Raletobana praised graduates for their hard work even though most of them studied under restrictive COVID-19 times.Mr Raletobana applauded the government for continuing to sponsor students, which in the long run produced highly skilled personnel. 

He urged all graduates to utilise knowledge and skills acquired.ENDS