The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) awarded approximately 50 Engineering students with certificates for successfully completing a transformative technical workshop titled ‘Introduction to Petroleum Geoscience’, an initiative made possible by Shell Namibia Upstream B.V. and partners. The programme aims to build local oil and gas expertise by strengthening capacity and skills among Namibians.

“The beauty of this industry lies in its diversity, and the synergy is truly mind-blowing. I encourage you to work hard with discipline, see the bigger picture, and not be afraid to fail, because that is how you find your footing,” said Mr Eduardo Rodriguez, Shell Namibia Country Chair.

Ms Elsie Kambala, Country Manager at SLB Namibia, encouraged students to push beyond perceived limits. “Your background should not break you down but rather motivate you. The sky is not the limit,” she said.

Now in its third training intake, the partnership continues to play a vital role in equipping Namibian students with foundational knowledge in petroleum exploration, critical competencies for the country’s growing oil and gas sector.

Prof Colin Stanley, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Partnerships at NUST, emphasised the importance of sustained academia-industry collaboration. “At a time when the global energy landscape is rapidly transforming, such collaborations ensure that our graduates are not only academically prepared but also industry-ready, adaptable, and competitive. They further demonstrate the power of collaboration between academia and industry in shaping future-ready graduates who can drive innovation and sustainable development.”

The latest cohort brought together students from five engineering disciplines: Mechanical, Civil, Mining and Chemical, Electrical and Industrial Engineering, under the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment. This reinforces a strong multidisciplinary approach to building future energy capacity.

Matias Matias, a third-year Engineering student at NUST said that over the past five days, they had the opportunity to engage with industry experts and gain valuable insights into what is expected of them as future engineers. “The workshop also created a platform for collaboration, allowing us to network and work closely with fellow students while completing assessments and assignments.”