Nthatuoa Koeshe
BOTHO University on Friday held is debut Lesotho campus graduation at a local hotel.
Eighteen students from the faculties of Health, Education, Business and Accounting and Computing were capped with honours’ degrees.
Head of the Maseru campus Abhishek Ranjan said the graduation marked a momentous occasion in the institution’s journey since opening in 2015.
The university’s Vice Chancellor Sheela Reja Ram said they were excited to release the campus’ firs graduates.
“These are truly exciting times for all of us living and working in Africa,” Ms Reja Ram.
“Africa is rising and as the educated youth of Africa, you need to lead the charge to take Africa towards its vision Africa 2063.”
She said the knowledge and skills the graduates acquired at the university formed the foundation of the personalities they would create for themselves.
She urged the graduates to look beyond the Lesotho borders into the wider African market in pursuing their passion and dreams
“I urge you to find the confidence to look beyond the borders of Lesotho and tap into the huge African market in pursuing your passion and dreams and also to retain the Botho values of integrity and excellence in everything you do.”
For his part, Education and Training minister Mokoto Hloaele, who was also the guest of honour at the event congratulated the graduates.
He said since its inception in 2015, Botho had become one of the preferred private institutions offering diverse programmes.
“This is a major stride for a relatively young institution like Botho and I congratulate everyone who is involved in making this success story possible,” Mr Hloaele said.
He said institutions of higher learning must go beyond preparing students for jobs but should also stimulate them to see the possibilities of innovation and the creation of their own jobs.
“By sending out its first set of graduates today, Botho University has taken a step towards playing a pivotal role in the country’s human resource development by producing graduates who have adapted well to the society and industry needs,” Mr Hloaele said.