Private tertiary institutions future uncertain

CHANDAPIWA BAPUTAKI
Staff Writer | Tuesday October 19, 2010 00:00

Executive Director of Ba Isago University College, Dr Roshen Kishun revealed that the interruption in 2009/2010 in terms of government support for the private sector has seen the Gross Enrollment Ratio drop to 15.1 percent from 17 percent in the past year.

Speaking at the third graduation ceremony, held at the institution's campus in Gaborone, Dr Roshen Kishun painted a bleak picture where government does not seem to have a clear policy for private institutions.

He revealed that the Botswana Association of Private Tertiary Education Providers (BAPTEP) has produced a paper, which takes a closer look at the situation on the ground and the plight of the private institutions in a scenario where government sponsorship plays a key role. He said there are a number of serious concerns that the private institutions have articulated regarding their future.

Kishun revealed those as; Wrong perception that private institutions are more expensive; Lack of appreciation of the quality improvement in private sector; the lack of clarity with regard to the private tertiary education sector sponsorship policy.  He explained that TEC's 'quality framework' is only focused on private institutions and that private providers are caught between the high cost of complying with TEC and a negative policy direction.

Concerning building extra capacity, Kishun asked if the government is crowding out the Private Tertiary Education Providers? He said student choices of programmes would be drastically limited if the private sector institutions are not adequately supported.

He stated that while there is a lot of talk about the Public Private Partnerships there is a lack of appreciation of the need for a vibrant private sector in the education sector.

He further said private institutions are being exposed to harsh and volatile policy changes, whilst they are still in their developmental phase. He said there is the danger that many private institutions may not survive in the current scenario.

Kishun explained that the future of Botswana would not depend on any finite natural resources but on the people of Botswana, particularly the youth.

'And it will depend on the full complement of tertiary education institutions providing appropriate and quality educational opportunities,' he said. 'If we agree that the future of Botswana depends on knowledge, knowledge production, and the use of this knowledge for the welfare of society, to solve challenges facing any country, including those like global warming, then you can imagine the critical role that teachers play in actually shaping the minds of future leadership, especially teachers at the primary school level,' he added.

Giving a keynote address Judge Singh Walia of the High Court challenged the graduates to remain idealists, and embrace the possibility of great and good change. 'You are about to cross to a more challenging world, where the acquisition of certificates alone will not open all doors for you. Discipline, hard work, honesty, and integrity will be the parameters for measuring your success in life. As future leaders of this country I implore you to be good ambassadors in both the public and private sectors of our economy, the region and the world at large.' Judge Singh said.

He stated that Ba Isago has positioned itself to provide educationally trained men and women of integrity to respond to the needs of the vast continent.

He applauded Ba Isago for the linkages and collaborative partnerships it has developed with partner institutions such as the High Court of Botswana, the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants, National University of Science and Technology, the Real Estate Institute of Botswana and the University of South Africa among others.

He stated that these partnerships have enabled Ba Isago to come up with quality programmes, which respond to the market needs of Botswana.

Ba Isago University College students graduated in programmes of Certified Accounting Technician, Certificate in Real Estate, Foundation and Intermediate Certificate for Deputy Sheriffs and Court Bailiffs, Certificate in Law, Certificate in Court Administration and the National Professional Diploma in Education.