Over 700 graduate during Unam spring ceremony
The University of Namibia (Unam) recently hosted its spring graduation ceremony at the Mercure Hotel in Windhoek, marking a momentous occasion for over 700 graduates who obtained their qualifications.The event was not only a celebration of academic achievement, but also a platform to announce significant changes aimed at improving the quality of education at the university.
During his opening remarks, Professor Kenneth Matengu, the university's vice-chancellor, revealed a new admission requirement for prospective education students. To study education at Unam, students must have completed Advanced Subsidiary (AS) subjects and obtained 30 points in grade 12 for secondary education or 27 points for pre-primary and primary education.
This move reflects Unam's commitment to enhancing the quality of education offered and ensuring that students are well-prepared for their academic journeys.
One notable aspect highlighted by Matengu was the gender disparity among graduates. The data showed that 69.3% of graduates were female, while only 30.7% were male. To address this issue, the university has undertaken a study to dive into the reasons behind the underperformance of male students. This study is set to be launched on Monday.
This ceremony witnessed the first cohort of graduates being awarded a post-graduate diploma in advanced midwifery and neonatal nursing care, reflecting Unam's commitment to preparing professionals to meet the nation's healthcare needs.
Furthermore, the event saw 30 medical doctors receive their certificates, marking a crucial step in addressing the demands of the healthcare workforce in Namibia.
Unam's commitment to diversity and global education was evident, as 19 international students were also awarded their qualifications. This international representation highlights the university's efforts to foster a multicultural learning environment and contribute to global knowledge exchange.
Breakdown
Unam conferred 31 certificates, 203 diplomas, 431 degrees, 24 post-graduate certificates and diplomas, 90 master's degrees and 10 PhDs. These figures brought the total number of graduates to 789 for the spring graduations.
When combined with the Easter graduation's total of 4 065, Unam's 2023 graduates reached a remarkable total of 4 854.