Statement by Chancellor Scholastika Iipinge at Welwitchia University’s 8th Official Graduation Ceremony

Windhoek, 21 November 2025

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I acknowledge and stand on the protocol already established by the master of ceremonies, members of the media, ladies and gentlemen.

It is with immense pride and profound joy that I stand before you today to celebrate the remarkable achievements of 1 500 graduates who have successfully completed their studies across two main faculties here at Welwitchia University. 

Today marks a significant milestone in the history of our beloved institution, the eighth graduation since our journey began as a health training centre, and only the second since we were honoured with university status in 2024.

First and foremost, allow me to express our deep gratitude to the prime minister of Namibia, Elijah Ngurare, for taking time out of his demanding schedule of national commitments to grace us with his presence and deliver the keynote address today. His role as a distinguished academic and national leader perfectly exemplifies the very spirit of transformation and service that our university strives to instil in its graduates.

This year’s graduation ceremony, held under the inspiring theme ‘Driving Impactful Transformation Through Training’, embodies the essence of what education at Welwitchia University stands for. Transformation is not merely change; it is purposeful, sustainable progress that impacts communities and nations. Through rigorous training and commitment, you, the graduates, are equipped to be catalysts of this transformation in your respective fields and beyond. Whether as health professionals, educators or leaders in commerce and law, you carry the power to drive meaningful change across Namibia and beyond.

Our graduating class includes students from the Faculty of Health Sciences, home to our flagship Bachelor of Nursing Honours programme, and from the Faculty of Law, Commerce and Education. We also celebrate the landmark achievement of our first cohort of postgraduate graduates. 

Today, we honour those earning master’s degrees in occupational health and safety, higher education and monitoring and evaluation, alongside graduates with postgraduate diplomas in these fields. This postgraduate success marks the first graduation from our newly formed Faculty of Law, Commerce and Education established in 2025, demonstrating our university’s growth and commitment to addressing national priorities through advanced education.

Special recognition goes to the first Bachelor of Nursing Science and Midwifery Honours graduates from our campuses in Katima Mulilo and Walvis Bay. Your accomplishment is a testament to Welwitchia University’s dedication to fostering top-tier healthcare professionals who will serve communities with excellence and compassion. For those who may not know, our university prides itself on nine different campuses which cover at least six different regions across the country.

Our achievements would not be possible without strong partnerships. We thank the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Arts and Culture, particularly the Council for Higher Education and the Namibia Qualifications Authority, for guiding us toward successful quality assurance and accreditation of our institution and its programmes. 

We equally appreciate sustained support from the Ministry of Health and Social Services, the Health Professions Council of Namibia, the Nursing Board of Namibia and other critical stakeholders. Your collaboration ensures that Welwitchia University not only meets but exceeds the standards of quality and relevance.

Let me share a recent testament to the impact of the education offered at Welwitchia University, where everyone is an achiever. Just this past Wednesday, I received a message from one of our industry partners at 3 West Central Hospital. She praised the dedication and skill demonstrated by our fourth-year Windhoek City campus nursing students during their clinical placements, specifically their outstanding application of cardiopulmonary resuscitation principles that saved lives. 

Dear graduates, this kind of praise reassures us all that the training you have received here truly prepares you to meet real-world challenges with competence and confidence.

To you, the graduates, as you step forward from this ceremony, remember that your journey doesn’t end here. Instead, you begin a lifelong commitment to learning, growth and service. You are not only the products of education but the architects of our nation’s future. Embrace the responsibility to drive impactful transformation in your communities, workplaces and society at large. Your knowledge, skills and values are powerful tools for creating a better Namibia.

In closing, congratulations once again on reaching this extraordinary milestone. We celebrate your hard work, perseverance and dedication. On behalf of Welwitchia University, I wish you success, courage and wisdom as you embark on the next chapter of your lives.

May you be bold change-makers, compassionate leaders and lifelong learners.

Thank you, and congratulations to the class of 2025!

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