Nust graduates shine

The Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust) held its first graduation ceremony for the year under the theme 'Building a World-Class University' at the Safari Hotel in Windhoek on 26 and 27 April.During this year's graduation season Nust witnessed 2 000 students graduating with certificates, 371 with masters degrees and 56 with doctoral degrees across six faculties. Higher education minister, Dr Itah Kandjii-Murangi, congratulated the graduates and reminded them to be thankful to those who had scarified for them to obtain their qualifications.“It is truly gratifying to see more and more progress in the qualified and competitive workforce. I wish you all the success in your future endeavours,” she said.According to Nust vice-chancellor, Tjama Tjivikua, the university awarded its first-ever doctorates for computing and informatics two years after being renamed from the Polytechnic of Namibia. Maria Mbudi, who received a post-graduate certificate in informatics, walked away with the vice-chancellor's award, which is awarded to the best overall performer of the year.Tjivikua praised the graduates for their hard work and spoke of the significance behind the theme of the graduation.“Prosperity is an ever-elusive goal and it requires an appropriate economic and institutional regime, dynamic infrastructure and an efficient national innovation system, and that is one of the reasons we framed the theme,” he said He said further that in order to build a world-class economy, a world-class university is needed.“The theme helps channel our internal energy into a common goal with society, thereby helping society to understand and advance our vision,” he said. Kondjeni Nkandi read a speech on behalf of Esi Schimming-Chase, the chairperson of the Nust council. “I am pleased to report that because of its great reputation, Nust has extensive national and international networks and partnerships which benefited the institution and Namibia immensely. As a result, Nust has continued to feature among the top 100 universities in Africa over the past 20 years and also as the best higher education institution in Namibia, as evidenced by the PMR.africa annual reviews,” she said The Zone spoke to the two students who obtained PhDs in computing and informatics.Oskawe Jude said he is very pleased to be the first international student to obtain a PhD in computing and informatics.“It is a thing of joy that I am the first international student to graduate with a PhD from Nust. I am happy and I believe that this will open doors for other international students to study at the university,” he said.Suama Hamunyela, who is the first woman in Namibia to obtain a PhD in computing and informatics, urged young man and women who are wondering where to start, to grab any opportunity that comes their way and be willing to learn. “It was not an easy journey, but through hard work and perseverance we achieved and I want the next generations to say the same thing. Hence, I appeal to our leaders and all stakeholders to continue making education a priority.”Justicia Shipena

Nust graduates shine

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Namibian Sun 2025-10-21

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Nust graduates shine

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Namibian Sun 2025-10-21

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