Education is a weapon against poverty – President Mbumba

President Nangolo Mbumba has emphasised that education is the most powerful weapon against poverty. 

Dr. Mbumba, in his capacity as Chancellor of the University of Namibia, said this while officiating at the Southern Campus graduation ceremony. 

Dr. Mbumba conferred 170 qualifications on graduates who completed diploma, degree, and postgraduate diploma courses in the fields of business administration, accounting, education, and nursing. 

“Today, I am proud to say that Namibia, by large, has complied with the UN Declaration in that everyone has the right to education, primary and secondary education is free, and the majority of students at the tertiary level are supported through government scholarships and loans. Moreover, in Namibia, education at all levels is widely available in all 14 regions except for tertiary education, which we are still rolling out as resources permit.”

President Mbumba says the government has lived up to expectations by ensuring quality education for youth to use as a tool to empower themselves and advance their livelihoods.

“Your qualification from the University of Namibia should serve as a valuable asset in your future professional careers and should enable you to competitively seize opportunities both nationally and internationally. Namibia is on the brink of an energy revolution in the green hydrogen and recently discovered oil and gas sectors, all of which will require qualified workers. Therefore, embrace these opportunities that lie ahead and use your acquired knowledge, skills, and values for the industrialization of the Namibian economy.”

Also speaking at the graduation ceremony was Unam Vice-Chancellor Professor Kenneth Matengu, who said: “The University of Namibia is at all times conscious of the fact that for many students, university education, including a university qualification, is often a defiance against obstacles resulting from difficult social and economic conditions and backgrounds. It is against this reality that we join you in your academic accomplishment and celebration, as it has not been a rosy journey. The University of Namibia Community, therefore, joins in your achievement. We acknowledge and thank those who have made sacrifices to enable you to graduate today.”

The President, accompanied by Minister of Higher Education Dr. Itah Kandjii-Murangi, also paid a visit to the NIMT southern campus. 

Dr. Mbumba expressed pleasure at seeing many young people studying at the NIMT Southern Campus.