Michael Petrus, a 24-year-old founder of the Namibian Student Surgical Society, has been awarded the revered Rhodes Scholarship for the BLMNS (Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, and Eswatini) region for the year 2025.
He is set to commence his studies at the University of Oxford in October 2025, where he will join a diverse group of over 100 scholars from across the globe.
This opportunity will enable him to pursue fully funded postgraduate studies and engage with a vibrant community of young leaders committed to effecting positive change in the world.
“I am beyond honoured and humbled to have been selected as the Rhodes Scholar-Elect for 2025. I am filled with a whirlwind of emotions: disbelief, gratitude, shock, and joy, it still feels surreal. Thank you! This is truly a dream come true, and I am so excited for the journey ahead,” he stated.
Petrus, a final-year medical student at the University of Namibia, is pursuing a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBChB). He is particularly focused on enhancing access to timely, safe, and high-quality surgical care.
Petrus is also part of the Executive Committee of the International Association of Student Surgical Societies, where he focuses on equipping African medical students with the skills and knowledge needed to address surgical challenges in their communities.
His ongoing research focuses on improving the quality of diabetic care in rural Namibia, suggesting strategic enhancements to healthcare delivery. Petrus has also participated in discussions regarding significant healthcare issues in Namibia, such as universal health coverage and food insecurity.
In an interview with Youth Corner yesterday, he expressed his growing enthusiasm for the surgical sector in the country, particularly in relation to supplying essential equipment for surgeons to perform their duties effectively.
“Additionally, it is time for the government to prioritise the creation of jobs in the medical profession. It makes no sense to have many people educated but upon graduation, there are no jobs,” he divulged.
He acknowledged the contributions of Youssef Saad, the Head of the Department of Surgical Sciences at Unam, and Dr Felicia Christians, Associate Dean of the School of Medicine, for their significant roles in educating future medical professionals in Namibia.
In his capacity as Junior Mayor of Windhoek, Petrus spearheaded influential community initiatives, such as HIV PrEP awareness campaigns aimed at the youth and a comprehensive clean-up operation to address a Hepatitis E outbreak. Additionally, he represented Namibia on an international stage in debate, serving as the captain of the national team.
Outside of his medical pursuits, Petrus is a professional photographer who utilises photography as a medium for storytelling. He has also worked as a freelance photographer for Agence France-Presse.
He intends to pursue an MSc in International Health and Tropical Medicine at Oxford University, aiming to influence policy reforms, enhance financing for surgical systems, advance research, and foster healthcare innovation to increase access to surgical care throughout Africa.
Each year, 10 Rhodes Scholarships are granted within the Southern African constituency, which includes South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, and Eswatini. The selection process is currently underway across this region.
The Rhodes Scholarship is a prestigious international postgraduate award that enables students to study at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom. Founded in 1902, it is recognised as the oldest graduate scholarship globally and is regarded as one of the most esteemed international scholarship programmes.
Elizabeth Kiss, the CEO of the Rhodes Trust, expressed their excitement in introducing the remarkable 2025 Class of Rhodes Scholars-Elect, who embody diverse cultures and viewpoints from around the globe.
“For over a century, the Rhodes Trust has brought exceptional individuals to Oxford and fostered a vibrant global community. We eagerly anticipate the invaluable contributions these scholars will make, not just during their studies, but throughout their lives as they join the community of Rhodes Scholar alumni who are creating a more equitable and sustainable future for the world,” highlighted Kiss.
–psiririka@nepc.com.na