Namibian oil and gas: Equip the youth
Oil and gas have become a significant topic in Namibia since their discovery as one of the country's abundant natural resources.
In my view, this situation calls for career advancement opportunities for Namibian youth, allowing them to enrol in courses that cater to our nation's industrial needs.
Such opportunities enable professionals to gain a deeper understanding of the industry and acquire the technical skills necessary for higher-level employment positions. Oil and gas are fundamental resources for every country worldwide; hence, this industry demands technological advancements to enhance operations and increase efficiency. Training programmes help employees adapt to new technologies and equip them with the skills needed to utilise advanced equipment and software.
Oil and gas professionals need to possess a range of technical skills, including expertise in geological science, engineering principles, chemical processes, drilling methods and safety regulations.
The rising global demand for crude oil, including biofuels, underscores the significant economic benefits associated with the oil and gas sector.
They will further increase if large-scale extraction begins. The oil and gas industry will support millions of jobs, provide lower energy costs for consumers, ensure our energy security for the country, and prevent us from developing dependency syndrome.
Upskill
Therefore, I am calling on the higher education, training and innovation ministry to identify 20 Namibian men and women who are currently in grades 11 and 12 and send them to Brazil or other countries in the world to study courses related to oil and gas to capacitate them in order to take up the crucial jobs in oil and gas in Namibia.
I am also urging the ministry, in consultation with the mines and energy ministry, to promote oil and gas-related courses, build conducive infrastructure for skills training, and revise the curriculum to include oil and gas courses for our students to specialise in.
We should not have to import human resources when we have capable young Namibians who are ready to serve the Namibian nation and benefit from this natural gift.
I encourage Namibian youth to make wise decisions and seize the opportunity I am advocating for. I also call upon the finance ministry, in collaboration with the mines and energy ministry and state-funded institutions, to exercise their social responsibilities to fund identified students so that we can develop our own professionals to serve in the industry.
The time has come for Namibia to shine by eradicating hunger, poverty and disease and becoming economically independent. We can do it ourselves without foreign interference, which is often tied to an agenda of stealing our natural resources while our people suffer in poverty.
*Hofni Iipinge is a member of the Swapo central committee and political bureau and the Swapo deputy secretary of education, culture and sport.
In my view, this situation calls for career advancement opportunities for Namibian youth, allowing them to enrol in courses that cater to our nation's industrial needs.
Such opportunities enable professionals to gain a deeper understanding of the industry and acquire the technical skills necessary for higher-level employment positions. Oil and gas are fundamental resources for every country worldwide; hence, this industry demands technological advancements to enhance operations and increase efficiency. Training programmes help employees adapt to new technologies and equip them with the skills needed to utilise advanced equipment and software.
Oil and gas professionals need to possess a range of technical skills, including expertise in geological science, engineering principles, chemical processes, drilling methods and safety regulations.
The rising global demand for crude oil, including biofuels, underscores the significant economic benefits associated with the oil and gas sector.
They will further increase if large-scale extraction begins. The oil and gas industry will support millions of jobs, provide lower energy costs for consumers, ensure our energy security for the country, and prevent us from developing dependency syndrome.
Upskill
Therefore, I am calling on the higher education, training and innovation ministry to identify 20 Namibian men and women who are currently in grades 11 and 12 and send them to Brazil or other countries in the world to study courses related to oil and gas to capacitate them in order to take up the crucial jobs in oil and gas in Namibia.
I am also urging the ministry, in consultation with the mines and energy ministry, to promote oil and gas-related courses, build conducive infrastructure for skills training, and revise the curriculum to include oil and gas courses for our students to specialise in.
We should not have to import human resources when we have capable young Namibians who are ready to serve the Namibian nation and benefit from this natural gift.
I encourage Namibian youth to make wise decisions and seize the opportunity I am advocating for. I also call upon the finance ministry, in collaboration with the mines and energy ministry and state-funded institutions, to exercise their social responsibilities to fund identified students so that we can develop our own professionals to serve in the industry.
The time has come for Namibia to shine by eradicating hunger, poverty and disease and becoming economically independent. We can do it ourselves without foreign interference, which is often tied to an agenda of stealing our natural resources while our people suffer in poverty.
*Hofni Iipinge is a member of the Swapo central committee and political bureau and the Swapo deputy secretary of education, culture and sport.
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article