Unam implements debt clearance requirement for qualification certificates

Students on the verge of graduating at the University of Namibia (Unam) have been restricted from receiving their qualification certificate and academic transcripts but will be allowed to graduate.

According to Unam spokesperson Simon Namesho, a previous approach was introduced to encourage students to settle their debts but still allowed them access to academic transcripts. However, it did not yield the expected results, leading to an accumulation of unclaimed certificates and rising debts, putting the university’s finances at risk.“Since the end of 2023, this guiding principle has been amended. The university now restricts access to both the qualification certificates and the academic transcripts/records of those who have not cleared their dues,” Namesho says.

In April 2023, a reminder was sent out by the university urging students to settle outstanding amounts before 30 November 2023.

This change aims to ensure that graduates settle their financial obligations, as the academic transcript/record is often used to secure employment by demonstrating acquired knowledge, Namesho says.

“Of the more than 4 400 graduands for the April 2024 graduation ceremonies, 965 have outstanding debts to the university,” Namesho says. 
According to Namesho, despite these restrictions, and their names appearing in the graduation booklet, graduates are still allowed and welcome to participate in graduation ceremonies.

Meanwhile, the Namibia University of Science and Technology is still in discussions on the way forward for students with outstanding debts.