The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) last week recognised outstanding academic performers, presenting 145 merit awards and 45 performance awards to top achievers who excelled in their respective fields during the 2024 academic year. The awards’ ceremony was held under the theme “Timeless Prestige: A Night of Eminence.” Among the top students was Justus Embula, who received the Merit Award for Best Second-Year Student in Applied Mathematics and Statistics.
Embula, who described the recognition as an unexpected honour, said the award served as a reminder of the value of consistency, curiosity and collaboration in academic success.
“What started as a focus on simply passing exams evolved into a deep passion for understanding the principles behind the numbers and their real-world applications,” he said.
Reflecting on his academic journey, Embula said exploring advanced topics such as mathematical modelling and statistical inference transformed his approach to learning.
“It shifted my mindset from memorisation to mastery. Along the way, it became clear that this is more than just a degree, it’s the foundation of the career I’m building,” he added.
He expressed gratitude to the mentors, peers and experiences that have shaped his growth, and reaffirmed his commitment to continuous learning.
“I am incredibly grateful for everyone who contributed to my progress. I’m excited to keep learning, growing and building in the years ahead,” Embula said.
The awards’ ceremony forms part of NUST’s ongoing efforts to celebrate academic excellence and encourage a culture of high achievement among students.
Born and raised in the dusty village of Okahavi in the Omusati region he is currently a third-year student at NUST, and having the privilege to do so will forever be one of the many things that he will be grateful for..
“My academic journey has not been the smoothest, but I enjoyed the challenges that it carried -I saw them as opportunities to develop my resilience and improve myself. Growing up, Mathematics has always been my A game, and being given the opportunity to pursue my passion now is out of this world. From the beginning, I have always wanted to be an actuary, and this is just the beginning. I am certain that this field has equipped me with paramount knowledge of how this industry works, and with diligence, the will to strive and active participation in my learning, I will excel. As I mentioned before, studying here is a privilege, I do not only get to learn valuable educational experiences, but I am also tested on a personal level,” he said.
“Workload is no news to us students, even worse the fear of the unknown and failure. It is quite blatant that not all days will be a walk in the park, and here and there one slips and how we handle that is all that really counts. I don’t like to use my challenges to define my journey because I believe that they are opportunities to work on myself.,” he said.
Beyond academics, he is a student tutor and marker and passionate about making an impact in the lives of peers.
“I strongly enjoy reading up on the latest risk analysis and on the changes in my field as time goes by. I believe that one can achieve whatever they set their mind to, for as long as they get to see the next day,” he said.