Unam Southern Campus holds first graduation

MORE than 200 students yesterday graduated with degrees and diplomas at the inaugural graduation ceremony of the University of Namibia (Unam) Southern Campus at Keetmans­hoop.

The graduates received qualifications in adult education, pre- and lower primary education, secondary education, accounting and auditing, educational management and leadership, business administration, management and taxation, local government studies, public relations, entrepreneurship and new venture management, as well as HIV-AIDS management and counselling.

The graduation ceremony also saw the awarding of an honorary doctorate in education to Roman Catholic nun, Sister Paule Elizabeth Atiogbe, of the diocese of Keetmanshoop.

The 89-year-old Atiogbe was an educator for over 40 years, and most prominent leaders in the country who came under her tutelage regard her as their role model.

Unam chancellor, vice president Nangolo Mbumba said since its inception in 2014, the annual intake has grown from just 50 students to the current 350 students, with the institution offering 29 courses on distance, part-time and full-time modes.

The campus currently has an enrolment of 999 students, nine of whom are international students. Mbumba said graduates should become productive contributors to the socio-economic development of the country.

“We hope you have selected your fields of study correctly, which will enable you to become sought-after professionals and self-employed job creators, instead of becoming job hunters,” he stated.

He advised the campus management to be mindful of the current economic headwinds facing the country by showing maturity in searching for lasting solutions to address challenges.

Unam vice chancellor Lazarus Hangula said the campus is earmarked to house the Unam School of Geoscience, as well as other departments.

Atiogbe, in her acceptance speech, encouraged graduates to use their talents and to work hard, be determined and disciplined.

“Being well aware of the scarce resources of our households and families, and despite the work of our government to provide scholarships and bursaries to youth and other Namibians, we still have a number of young people who cannot further their studies,” she said.

Atiogbe added that her heart “often bleeds” when she cannot assist someone to further their education.

However, she was quick to add that “I am constant in my conviction that with a little determination, I will be able to gather resources to assist those who need it the most”.

Adelaide Both (51), who graduated with an honours degree in adult education, said getting the qualification meant growth for her career as an early childhood development trainer for the gender ministry.

“Education is your future, no one can take it away,” she beamed.

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