Natanael Nghivafe Namundjembo
The University of Namibia proudly announce its ranking as the 16th best university in Africa, a commendable achievement that ostensibly signals academic excellence and institutional prowess.
However, beneath this veneer of prestige lies a starkly different reality for many students, particularly those enrolled in the Faculty of Law. Despite this accolade, the faculty’s failings paint a picture of neglect, mismanagement, and student disenfranchisement that demands urgent attention and rectification.
Neglect
The plight of Unam’s law students is symptomatic of deeper systemic issues that undermine the institution’s claim to excellence. These students frequently find themselves abandoned without adequate instructional support.
Instead of receiving structured guidance and comprehensive teaching, they are often left to fend for themselves, scouring online sources and relying on notes from senior students. This academic scavenging is not only inefficient but it is also detrimental to their legal education and professional preparedness.
Mishandling continuous assessment marks
One of the most glaring issues within the Faculty of Law is the mishandling of continuous assessment (CA) marks. These marks are crucial for gauging student performance throughout the semester, forming a significant portion of their final grades. Yet, students often face a chaotic and opaque system where CA marks are miscalculated or, worse, entirely missing from their academic portals. This lack of transparency and accuracy severely undermines the integrity of the evaluation process.
Administrative apathy
Efforts by students to resolve these issues are met with administrative apathy. E-mails and messages sent to lecturers and faculty staff frequently go unanswered, leaving students in a state of academic limbo. The pervasive lack of responsiveness and accountability questions the competency of the faculty’s management. This disregard for student concerns not only affects their academic performance but also contributes to a growing sense of frustration and helplessness.
Lecturers’ absenteeism
Adding to the students’ woes is the frequent absenteeism by lecturers. It is disheartening for students to see their lecturers, who are supposed to be their guides and mentors, prominently involved in external activities, such as advocating same-sex agendas at the High Court, while neglecting their primary teaching responsibilities. This lack of commitment to their educational duties further exacerbates the students’ sense of abandonment and frustration.
Systemic failures
The consequences of these systemic failures are profound. The Faculty of Law has witnessed high dropout rates, which can be partly attributed to the inadequate support and mismanagement students face.
Additionally, there have been alarming reports of increased mental health issues, including alleged cases of suicide among students. This tragic trend underscores the urgent need for a supportive and responsive academic environment.
Stakeholder engagement
The current situation within the Faculty of Law at Unam calls for immediate intervention. It is imperative that all stakeholders, including university management, academic staff, government bodies, and civil society organisations, engage in a concerted effort to address these issues.
The following measures are essential for restoring credibility and ensuring the well-being of students:
Transparent and accurate assessment: Implementing robust systems to ensure that CA marks are accurately calculated and promptly made available to students is vital for maintaining trust and academic integrity.
Enhanced student support: Establishing tutoring, mentoring, and accessible faculty office hours to provide students with the necessary academic assistance.
Accountability and responsiveness: Cultivating a culture of responsiveness and accountability among faculty and administrative staff to ensure that student queries and concerns are addressed promptly and effectively.
Mental health resources: Providing adequate mental health resources and support services to address the psychological well-being of students, including counselling services, stress management programmes, and peer support networks.
Regular stakeholder meetings: Facilitating regular stakeholder meetings to foster open communication and collaborative problem-solving.
Continuous monitoring and evaluation: Implementing ongoing monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to assess the effectiveness of the changes and ensure continuous improvement in the quality of education and student support.
Call for change
The University of Namibia’s Faculty of Law has the potential to be a beacon of legal education in Africa.
However, realising this potential requires a commitment to addressing the systemic issues that currently plague the faculty. By prioritising transparency, accountability, and student support, Unam can reclaim its reputation and truly embody the excellence it purports to represent.
The time for change is now, and it is incumbent upon all stakeholders to work together to create a nurturing and effective educational environment for the future legal minds of Namibia.
Unam’s recent ranking should not distract from the pressing issues faced by its students, particularly those in the Faculty of Law. The mismanagement and neglect they endure undermine their educational experience and professional development.
It is essential for all stakeholders to take immediate action to address these issues and ensure that Unam lives up to its esteemed ranking by providing a genuinely supportive and effective learning environment. The future of Namibia’s legal profession depends on it.
*Natanael (Hafeni yaMateu) Nghivafe is a third-year law student. He writes in his own personal capacity.