Julina Kaakunga
The University of Namibia (Unam) recently held its spring graduation ceremony on 3 October 2023 in Windhoek, graduating a total of 789 students across different faculties.
During the morning session, 339 students from the faculties of agriculture, engineering and natural sciences, commerce, management, law, health
sciences and veterinary medicine received their qualifications. Usehue Hakuria and Kapenauarue Siririka are two of the graduates in the faculty of agriculture, engineering and natural sciences.
They agreed that the course provided them with a comprehensive understanding of the various aspects of natural resource management as well as the significance of conserving natural resources.
Hakuria said that during the ceremony, she was overwhelmed by joy when her name was called.
“Seeing my mother’s wide smile on her face made me cry. It was at that moment that I knew I made her proud,” Hakuria said.
She added: “It does not matter how long it takes you or how old you are. What matters is that you make sure you get that qualification. Varsity life isn’t an easy path; there are obstacles, peer pressure and temptations. Choose the right type of peers who want to do good in life,” Hakuria said as she advised aspiring graduates. Siririka praised the university for offering a wide range of courses and activities with its welcoming atmosphere, saying professors were indeed knowledgeable and helpful.
He describes the ceremony as a memorable experience. “I also gained an understanding of the legal and policy frameworks that govern natural resource management. Overall, the course was a great learning experience, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have taken it.” “Keep yourself simple, good, pure, serious, unpretentious, a friend of justice, God-fearing, kind, full of affection and strong for your proper work. Strive hard to remain the same man and woman that philosophy wished to make you. The one harvest of existence on earth is a godly habit of mind and social action,” these are words from Marcus Aurelius, quoted by Dr Nangolo Mbumba, the Vice President of the Republic of Namibia and Chancellor of Unam.
The Vice President spoke about the ever-changing and global competitive world, noting that modern work arrangements challenge existing notions about where work takes place, how it is done and who does it.
With a historical milestone, the health sector in Namibia leaps forward as the first cohort with 15 student graduates with a Post Graduate Diploma in Advanced Midwifery and Neonatal Nursing Care.
Also joining the medical fraternity are 30 medical doctors, who received their qualifications, including 19 international students from various regions.
The graduation reflected inclusivity, as two students with special needs also graduated.
Mbumba expressed his concern about the male youths, as a majority of the graduates were female (69.3%) and only 30.7% were male.
He urged that no efforts should be spared to ensure adequate support is given to our male learners and students, enabling them to acquire professional skills and contribute to the socio-economic development of the country.
The 2023 Spring Graduation has a commendable 12.6% of students graduating with higher degrees, i.e. masters and PhD degrees.
The faculty of commerce, management and law stands out, with 27% of their awards being higher degrees. - julinak990@gmail.com