Over 240 students graduate from Unam Katima Mulilo Campus

About 246 students graduated from the University of Namibia (Unam) Katima Mulilo Campus on Tuesday.

The graduates obtained qualifications in the fields of animal health, education, counselling and wildlife management and ecotourism.

Speaking at the ceremony, Unam vice chancellor Kenneth Matengu said universities serve as hubs for innovation and knowledge creation, and are responsive to research that leads to the development of new technologies, new processes and systems, as well as new solutions to industry and societal challenges.

“Innovation is about generation of economically viable knowledge to produce new products, systems or processes. Thus, the function of a university, primarily, is to empower the citizenry to function in the private interest for public good,” he said.

Matengu took the opportunity to remind the new graduates that since 1992, Unam has produced nearly 70 000 graduates across all fields. He added that Unam is ranked 13th among approximately 2 000 universities in Africa by Times Higher Education and is the only institution of higher learning in Namibia to appear in the ranking.

“Obtaining a university education is an event worth celebrating considering the social and economic backgrounds of many of the grandaunts. But remember, it is only the commencement of your career – seek to thrive and be a problem solver. That’s why you are graduating today, because we are satisfied you have the requisite knowledge to make a difference wherever you find yourself,” he told the new graduates.

Additionally, he said, members of the public and employers ought to know that graduates of Unam have successfully undergone comprehensive programmes that are accredited by various councils and qualification authorities.

“I remind you that it is rewarding to remain humble, stay original and authentic. Work to earn respect, do not demand it. Well done to you and well done to the parents and guardians. Higher education is not just our weapon, it is also our defence against the ignorance of our civic duty, poverty and disease,” he added.