Botho University equips graduates for changing job market
Kabelo Boranabi | Monday November 2, 2026 06:00
The institution is banking on entrepreneurship, industry partnerships, international exposure and continuous skills development to prepare its graduates for an economy increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence and technological advancement. This approach was highlighted during the university's graduation ceremony held in Gaborone last Friday, where 632 students graduated from 30 academic programmes, including 285 from its online campus.
Botho University Vice-Chancellor, Dr Sheela Ram, said the institution was strengthening its focus on producing graduates capable of developing sustainable solutions rather than depending entirely on conventional employment. While acknowledging the difficulties graduates face in securing jobs despite possessing relevant qualifications, Ram maintained that universities have a responsibility to prepare students to explore opportunities beyond traditional employment. 'When you studied with us at Botho, we gave multiple opportunities to help you think beyond conventional job seeking, empowering you to create sustainable solutions and drive meaningful development directly within your communities where a lot of work still needs to be done,' she said at the ceremony.
In addition, Ram highlighted international student exchange opportunities as part of the university's efforts to broaden students' perspectives and prepare them for opportunities beyond their home countries. Through these initiatives, students experience different cultures and establish international networks, thereby expanding their exposure to an increasingly interconnected economy.
Furthermore, the university continues to work with industry partners and employers to strengthen its academic programmes and support graduate development. Ram consequently reaffirmed the institution's commitment to providing relevant qualifications, supportive learning environments and innovative employability initiatives. Beyond these efforts, the university's graduate tracer studies have provided feedback on the experiences of its former students. According to Ram, the latest study recorded a 60% response rate, with 98% of respondents indicating that they would recommend Botho University to others. She said the findings reflected graduates' positive experiences and the value they attached to their education.
Meanwhile, Botho University continues to expand its regional footprint, serving more than 9,000 students and employing over 500 staff members across Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini and its online campus. The institution will celebrate its 30th anniversary in Botswana next year, marking another milestone in its development. Despite these achievements, Ram warned that the changing nature of employment demanded more than academic qualifications. In particular, she identified artificial intelligence, climate change and digital transformation among the forces reshaping industries and professional careers. 'To thrive, you must be able to work with the latest concepts in your discipline, requiring continuous upskilling as a lifelong learner,' she added.
Nevertheless, Ram emphasised that emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills would remain essential despite advances in automation. Echoing the need for graduates to adapt, Botswana Stock Exchange chairperson, Neo Mooki, challenged them to use their qualifications to contribute towards Botswana's economic transformation. Mooki said the country's economic difficulties, particularly pressure on the diamond industry, highlighted the need to develop new sources of growth through innovation, entrepreneurship and intellectual capital. 'For decades, diamonds helped build our country. The next chapter must be about what we build with our minds, talents, businesses and ideas,' she said. However, she stressed that graduates could not shoulder the responsibility of economic transformation alone. 'We cannot tell young people to dream boldly while making every opportunity inaccessible.
We cannot tell them to innovate and then refuse to finance their ideas,' Mooki said. As the 632 graduates embark on their next chapter, Botho University hopes its emphasis on practical skills, innovation and global exposure would give them a competitive edge in an increasingly demanding job market, while empowering them to become creators of opportunities rather than merely seekers of employment.