Unam produces ‘army of poverty eradicators’ in north

A total of 901 students graduated from the University of Namibia’s (UNAM) northern campuses on Wednesday.

Vice chancellor Kenneth Matengu at the event emphasised the institution’s role in driving national development through higher education.

He said the graduates form part of the university’s contribution to Namibia’s social and economic progress.

“Today, the University of Namibia, consistent with its mandate of contributing to the social and economic development of our country, and globally, is releasing 901 qualified graduates to the workforce of Namibia and globally in various fields. These are our army of poverty eradicators, enforcers of justice, talent hunters and architects of our futures,” he said.

The 901 graduates represent a 4% increase from last year’s 864, with qualifications spanning fields such as engineering, nursing science, education, law and management sciences.

Matengu said the Faculty of Education and Human Sciences accounted for 59%, followed by the Faculty of Agriculture, Engineering and Natural Sciences at 22%, and the Faculty of Health Sciences and Veterinary Medicine at 18%.

He further highlighted that 65% of the graduates are women, while 35% are men, reflecting continued progress in gender representation in higher education.

Matengu said the cohort includes seven international students from Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe, as well as three students from marginalised communities.

Several academic milestones were celebrated during the event.

Matengu highlighted the graduation of the first 13 students from the new three-year forestry and rangeland management degree.

Additionally, the Josè Eduardo dos Santos Campus produced 105 engineers.

He said postgraduate training remains a priority, with 21 postgraduate diplomas in nursing science and 17 master’s degrees awarded in fields including agricultural economics, metallurgical engineering, development studies, public health and applied epidemiology.

Matengu stressed that Unam remains committed to producing graduates equipped with the knowledge, skills and values required to compete globally and contribute meaningfully to society.

– Nampa

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