Allexer Namundjembo
Abel Mubita, a security guard who obtained a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice at the University of Science and Technology (NUST), said he will continue his career as a security officer.
Mubita who is an employee of the PIS Security company said will remain in his current job until he secures his dream job.
“I will still continue showing up at work even though I am a degree holder. It is now tough to get employed, and I’ll not take a risk of quitting my job because I have a degree,” he said.
Mubita added that it was a struggle finishing his degree, as he was always required to be present at work, and with the shifts changing, he struggled to fully concentrate on his studies.
“It was not easy. I had to balance my time between studying and working. My bosses always required me to be on the ground, but sometimes I had to attend class and do group assignments. Imagine going to meet your group mates for an assignment while at the same time you are on duty. I really suffered but I succeeded,” Mubita added.
He added that he was lucky to have his studies funded by NSFAF.
“If it wasn’t NSFAF, it could’ve been difficult for me to pay for my studies as my salary was not enough,” he added.
At the graduation ceremony, NUST’s vice chancellor, Associate Professor Erold Naomab said Mubita diligently guarded the university’s grounds and had dedicated time to ensure his academic progress.
“Mubita took a critical step to transform his future and set an example for all of us. By embarking on this academic journey, he has shown that dreams do not wait, nor do they discriminate,” Naomab said.
A total of 724 graduates received their degrees, including 387 from the Faculty of Commerce, Human Sciences, and Education, 141 from the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, 132 from the Faculty of Computing and Informatics, and 64 from the Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences.
He further added that the university was conferring 102 honours degrees, 78 masters, and three Doctor of Philosophy.
“Our postgraduates continue to increase, recording a total of 35% this time. This indicates that the university is dedicated to transforming our students,” he added.
Naomab went on to say that NUST graduated 32 international students, demonstrating its international recognition.
“Over the years, the number of international students continues to grow, cementing the quality of education that NUST offers and how it attracts bright minds from all over the world to join Nust. I implore all international students who graduated today to go out there and share the knowledge you gained from NUST,” he added.
He further encouraged the new graduates to take up opportunities coming their way.
“You are all equally positioned to take up full advantage of Namibia and emerging industrial economic sectors. Investing in science and technology education can drive education growth, enhance innovation, and improve the overall quality of life,” Naomab added.
At the Nust summer graduation, there were more male graduates than female graduates, accounting for 52.7% of the total.
Naomab further added that industry skills remain critical, and despite the demands of a changing world with the emergence of the green and blue energy sector in the country and the international policy shifts shaped by the increasing artificial intelligence, the tides are turning.
“While we are graduating you here today, we must remain reluctant, challenge ourselves, and seek to understand what is happening in the world around you and contribute. Remember to reskill and upskill in areas that you feel you need additional focus,” he added.
