By Confidente Reporter
PRESIDENT Hage Geingob has advised Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) graduates to use the skills they have acquired to create employment.
Geingob was speaking at a NUST graduation ceremony at the Safari Court Hotel and Conference Centre last Thursday, for the Faculty of Management Sciences.
Thursday’s event was followed by another graduation ceremony for the faculties of Computing and Informatics, Engineering, Health and Applied Sciences, Human Sciences and Natural Resources and Spatial Sciences.
In total, over 1 000 NUST students graduated. The president said at Thursday’s ceremony that the graduates have received a modern, excellent education that provides a foundation on which they can build their lives and the economy.
“All of you must become leaders and opinion-makers at home, at work, nationally and internationally. But, remember that as in all the previous centuries, the 21st century challenges require a different type of leadership, because the challenges and opportunities are different.
“The 21st century requires leaders, who can clearly understand the changing international environment, who can quickly learn new ways of solving problems, and who are willing to embrace diversity and take global perspectives in problem-solving, using technology, entrepreneurship and innovation as effective tools,” Geingob said.
He added that the graduation ceremony is a manifestation of the significant role that institutions of higher learning can play in shaping future leaders.
Geingob told the graduates that they are at crossroads in their lives, and that many opportunities await them.
“You are the workforce of today and tomorrow. Once you receive your respective diplomas and degrees, you will hold the key to our country’s development and prosperity.
“In many ways, our hopes are being realised through education. Education is becoming more relevant now, because there are many changes in the world, mostly driven by education and its related tools, such as technology,” Geingob said.
The president said that NUST had enabled the graduates to acquire the wisdom, knowledge and skills of a modern-day society.
NUST Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tjama Tjivikua, highlighted that the university is a preferred academic player in Namibia, and globally.
He also highlighted the complex developmental challenges faced by the institution.
“Our performance has been limited, not by a lack of will or creativity, but by the external forces that impinge on our capacity to perform and flourish. A good plan, without proper resourcing, is a dream deferred; it floats and eventually drowns in malady,” he said. Tjivikua added that NUST, previously known as the Polytechnic of Namibia, is celebrating its 22nd anniversary under the theme, ‘Re-imagining University Engagement in the Knowledge Economy’.