Maseru, July 14 — The Lesotho Institute of Accountants (LIA) signed a memorandum of understanding with Botho University to strengthen collaboration in accounting education, research and professional development.
The agreement was signed in Maseru on Tuesday and seeks to align academics with industry requirements to produce competent and globally competitive accountants.
Speaking at the signing ceremony the chief executive officer of LIA, Mrs. ‘Malisebo Ntlhokoe said the partnership will ensure that graduates are job –ready and meet LIA’S global standards.
Mrs. Ntlhokoe stated that the partnership is a strategic step toward bridging the gap between academia and profession, while also ensuring that learners acquire the ability to act ethically and lead with responsibility. She further stated that the profession demands integrity and global competitiveness to create an industry that gives exposure to international standards.
She articulated that the partnership will also ensure that students are not only academically prepared but also ready to contribute meaningfully to the profession and to the society. She said the collaboration is an investment to the sustainable development goals of Lesotho.
The country Head of Botho University, ‘Mrs. ‘Makhosi Hlalele said the professional transition is critical and council of higher learning needs transitioning. She said the University provides Theory, Digital literacy and foundational business and LIA’s expertise will provide them with a professional destination.
Mrs. Hlalele added that the university develops its curriculum to ensure that it comes into practice, and the partnership will champion their standards and enhance their curriculum especially during this era where the financial landscape on issues of compliance are impacted by use of artificial intelligence.
“This really says that we cannot really operate in a vacuum as an institution of higher learning that provides this kind of academic qualification. We need this kind of partnership.” she said.
Mrs. Hlalele said through the partnership graduates will be globally regulatory literate, pledging to continue applying LIA’S ethical codes into students’ training.
The MOU is anticipated to open doors to high quality learning and mentorship that will prepare graduates for future challenges and curb high unemployment rate.
Ends/’MAMOSA/tl
