Central University has taken a significant step toward strengthening its career development and graduate employability initiatives through a benchmark visit to Botho University in Gaborone. The three-day engagement, held from 12th to 14th March 2026, forms part of the University’s broader commitment to learning from institutions with established and effective career development systems.
The Central University delegation comprised Mrs. Stella Este, Director of Counselling and Career Services; Ms. Cynthia Azasoo, Coordinator of Career Services at the Counselling and Career Services Directorate; and Mr. Evans Adu-Gyamfi, Assistant Registrar at the Corporate Affairs & Public Relations Directorate and Alumni Relations Officer. Their participation reflects the University’s strategic focus on strengthening student employability outcomes and enhancing career support services.
The visit provided an opportunity for the delegation to gain in-depth exposure to Botho University’s Career Development Framework, as well as its Student Affairs and Alumni Development (SAAD) initiatives and employer engagement strategies. Through a series of structured meetings, presentations, and practical observations, the team examined how the University integrates career development into the student experience while maintaining strong partnerships with industry.
During the visit, the delegation engaged in strategic discussions with the Vice-Chancellor of Botho University, Dr. Sheela Raja Ram, alongside other senior institutional leaders. The sessions focused on approaches to strengthening graduate employability, building sustainable industry collaborations, and designing structured career support systems that prepare students effectively for the world of work.
The delegation also had the opportunity to observe live career development activities and visited several employer partner companies that collaborate with Botho University. These engagements provided practical insight into how the University maintains a strong interface between academia and industry, ensuring that graduates are equipped with the skills and competencies demanded by employers.
As part of the visit, members of the delegation participated in a radio conversation on Gabz FM, where they discussed the purpose of the benchmarking exercise and shared perspectives on career development and employability within African universities. The programme was hosted by DollarMac, an alumnus of Botho University.
The visit was undertaken under the auspices of the Education Collaborative, within which Botho University has been identified as a strategic learning institution for Central University.
Coordination of the visit on behalf of Botho University was led by Phatsimo Mosimanegape, Assistant Manager in the Student and Alumni Affairs Department, whose support helped facilitate the engagements and institutional interactions throughout the visit.
This benchmark engagement marks an important step in Central University’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its career services ecosystem, deepen industry partnerships, and enhance student and alumni development programmes. Insights gained from the visit are expected to inform future initiatives aimed at equipping Central University students with the competencies, networks, and opportunities needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive global environment.