Nujoma still accomplishing at 80

BREATHING and sleeping education, he finally managed to gain his first degree at the age of almost 80.

This is the most recent chapter in the life of Namibia’s Founding Father Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma, who was recently awarded a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Geology by the University of Namibia (Unam), right on the eve of becoming an octogenarian. And his educational journey doesn’t end there, for Nujoma plans on obtaining a doctorate in the same field. Ask any Namibian child and you’ll hear them say that at least on one occasion they heard the former President emphasise the importance of science, maths and engineering as subjects that would drive the future of the country.His own recent achievement is living proof of the belief in his own words. Still full of life and ambition, hardly showing his age, Namibia’s Father of the Nation seems to be going full steam for his next achievement. Just two weeks ago, Nujoma, who is the Vice Chancellor of Unam, became the oldest student, at 79, to graduate from the institution. The focus of his Masters thesis was copper mines and mining, titled ‘Copper – Its geology and economic impact on development in Namibia, Zambia and the DRC’. ‘Due to the global economic downturn, some copper mines are closed due to a slump in copper prices. But if we had our own geologists and engineers, we could still provide some income to our communities,’ he said.He said governments have to establish industrial copper plants that can add value to the copper metal to enable ‘our’ countries to manufacture copper products, including cables for power transmission and generation, construction and telecommunication as well as electrical and electronic equipment. Despite having contributed large quantities to the world copper market over the years, Nujoma said, these countries have mainly been exporters of raw copper rather than manufacturers of copper products. He urges governments and regional organisations to take advantage of available copper resources by developing manufacturing industries around them for local and international consumption.’The downstream manufacturing plants will offer economic sustainability to mining towns after the closure of mines,’ he said.In his thesis, Nujoma also recommends that closed mines could be maintained as museums for local and international tourists, and serve in this way as a revenue source for communities.Copper mining aside, when he graduated recently, Nujoma was described by many as an example and role model in education. Prime Minister Nahas Angula has described the former President as a true leader who leads by example. In his congratulatory message, the Premier said: ‘You are an exemplary leader. Your sterling achievement in completing your studies in the prescribed time should inspire all of us to commit ourselves to lifelong learning. ‘Congratulations! As we struggle to turn Namibia into a learning nation, we draw from your inspiration, commitment and determination.’Born on May 12 1929, the young Sam Nujoma never had an opportunity to complete his formal education. Since his teens, politics dominated his life. Throughout the turbulent years of the liberation struggle, Nujoma never gave up his dream of educational achievement. A big celebration is planned for the former President’s 80th birthday. The celebration will take place on Saturday at his farm, Etunda, just outside of Otavi, with family, friends and well-wishers.The function, expected to be attended by hundreds, will start with an official programme in the morning followed by festivities that will go on for the whole day.- Nampa