The ministry of higher education is calling on tertiary institutions to release the academic records of students with outstanding debt to curb youth unemployment.
This comes ahead of the April/May graduation period where tertiary institutions withhold academic records and certificates until all outstanding fees are paid.
In a press release on Friday, the ministry said withholding academic information adds to the high unemployment rate among young people and graduates of higher education institutions (HEI).
“Many students still have outstanding debts with HEIs, meaning the opportunity to translate their acquired knowledge and skills into meaningful employment is hampered by not having received their academic documents and certificates,” the press release says.
The ministry added that the outstanding debt of the April/May 2024 graduates that were submitted by the HEIs will be settled by the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund as a loan to the graduates once they sign a contract with them.
The April/May 2024 graduates with outstanding debts are requested to collect their academic documents and certificates from their respective HEI “with proof of signed contracts in hand.”
“This decision is driven by our commitment as government to enable graduates to secure and create employment, elevate themselves out of poverty, and actively contribute to national development.”
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