Martin Endjala
The Ministry of Higher Education, Training and Innovation briefed the Windhoek Observer on the future of the students whose studies were interrupted by the war in Ukraine, saying they are consulting with the tertiary institutions in that country on how to proceed with the students, who had to kicked up their studies abruptly and return home.
Senior Public Relations Officer in the ministry said that the curriculum of the two countries differ and that some programmes are not offered by local institutions.
Selma Ngola told the Windhoek Observer that all the students from Ukraine who wish to enroll at local institutions will have to undergo the required admission process and registration at these institutions. She urged students wishing to continue with their studies locally to approach the institutions for admission.
“We have engaged two local institutions UNAM and NUST and have agreed that they accommodate those students who meet their requirements”.
There are students who are currently in their final years and final months from writing exams, to whom the ministry will provide support in the form of an examination venue at local universities to ensure they write their exams via online, Ngola said.
Ngola further said that other support such as psychological counselling for their mental well-being has been given to the students because of the trauma they suffered, adding that the ministry will continue with other forms of support.
She further informed the Observer that the future of those students who do not meet the entry requirements of local universities hang in the balance.
Admission to some programmes at local universities, Ngola said, also depends on the field of study the student was following in Ukraine, compatibility and availability.
The University of Namibia has admitted one student from Ukraine so far. The student was previously registered with Unam and has now registered for a Bachelor in Education that is offered.
The NUST acting public relations officer, in the office of the chancellor, Nico Smit said that all students who meet the requirements will not be denied to register with NUST, stating that engagements are still ongoing with the ministry of higher education.
“If a student meets all the requirements they will be placed in our programs,” he added.
Smit however, said that NUST has so far not received any requests for enrolment from the Namibian students who returned from the Ukraine. Efforts to get comment from UNAM spokesperson, John Haufiku on the matter proved futile.
