First National Bank Botswana (FNBB) has entered into an agreement with Botho University to provide its employees with a platform to impart knowledge and skills to the university’s students.
The Memorandum of Understanding will provide students and graduates at the university with exposure to the workplace and enable the two organisations to exchange best practices in various areas of interest.
FNBB CEO, Steven Bogatsu, said the MoU is part of the bank’s ongoing commitment to the growth and development of Botswana’s education and economic sectors.
“At FNBB, we have always believed that the true measure of success lies in what we call shared prosperity,” said Bogatsu.
“This belief underpins our dedication to the education and development of our nation.”
By developing partnerships with institutions like BothoUniversity, Bogatsu said the bank is not only investing in the future of the country’s youth but also in the future of the country itself.
Bogatsu explained that FNBB is focused on upskilling the country’s workforce by creating opportunities that align with the demands of the modern economy.
As part of the MoU, FNBB is committed to receiving continuing students and graduates from Botho University to be enrolled under the bank’s graduate development programme and industrial attachment.
“In addition to providing them with insights from seasoned professionals and helping them navigate career paths with confidence, the bank’s workforce brings with them a wealth of knowledge and experience,” said Bogatsu.
“Their involvement in these projects will undoubtedly contribute to the rounded development of our communities.”
The partnership will ensure that students gain practical experience and exposure to real-world banking environments, equipping them with the necessary skills.
Through this agreement, Bogatsu said the bank aims to bridge the gap between education and employment, creating a seamless transition for students into the workforce.
For her part, Botho University Pro Vice-Chancellor – People and Impact, Dr. Priya Iyer, said the university keeps the employability of students at the core of its mission.
As such, she said partnerships with institutions like FNBB are highly regarded.
“We can teach them, but in order to gain real-life experience, it needs organisations like FNBB and we do value these partnerships a lot,” said Iyer.
She noted that in all the programmes that the university offers, the school has always been involved with the industries.
“All our programmes have internship which is mandatory and is semester-long,” said Iyer.
In addition to making its graduates employable, Iyer said the university also strives to integrate an entrepreneurial mindset into its students.
