By Petronella Sibeene WINDHOEK President of the Swapo Party Sam Nujoma has urged students from the country’s national two institutions of higher learning to be at the forefront of promoting hygiene to avoid outbreaks of contagious diseases like polio. Nujoma last week addressed students from the University of Namibia (Unam) and the Polytechnic of Namibia. According to the Founding President, students at the two institutions should have a better understanding of hygiene and as such they should be at the forefront of promoting cleanliness for the nation’s good. Recently, Namibia was hit by the poliovirus that claimed 27 lives. A total of 236 suspected cases were recorded. On Sunday, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Social Services Kalumbi Shangula told New Era that the situation remains almost the same with 169 cases being discarded as polio cases. He added that the ministry is satisfied with the manner in which the polio campaigns were conducted adding that it would be more satisfying if the same could be repeated during the third round of mass immunization for children under the age of five. Round three polio vaccinations is scheduled for August 22nd to 24th. Nujoma also reminded students to study hard during this last semester. He advised the students to behave and contribute positively to the development of the institutions. “In a few months’ time, examinations are coming. Study hard and pass so that you can lay a solid foundation for a bright future for yourself, Namibia and the rest of the continent,” he advised. At the same platform, students begged Nujoma to find ways of influencing sponsors in the form of bursaries to assist more students who face financial difficulties. Students also asked the former president to negotiate with companies in both the private and the public sectors to accept more students as interns. This, according to the students, is crucial because employers usually want experienced people to fill vacant positions.