Sostenus Wilherm
The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) has intensified efforts to resolve the challenges affecting its Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences programme.
The university is now engaging affected students individually on possible academic pathways, financial support and practical training opportunities.
The latest intervention follows concerns over the programme’s accreditation, laboratory facilities, professional supervision and limited capacity for Work-Integrated Learning (WIL), which is required for students to obtain the practical experience needed for professional registration.
In a media release issued on Wednesday, NUST said it has been engaging affected students on a one-on-one basis to explain how the situation affects their studies, establish the academic options they wish to pursue and determine the individual support required.
“The university engaged students on a one-on-one basis to explain how the matter affects them, establish which academic options they would like to pursue, and determine the individual support they require,” NUST said.
The university’s latest update comes after education, innovation, youth, sports, arts and culture minister Sanet Steenkamp acknowledged administrative oversight in the admission of students into the programme.
Steenkamp previously told the National Assembly that NUST admitted 150 students in 2025, the largest intake since the programme was established in 2008, placing significant pressure on the available practical training capacity.
“There has definitely been administrative oversight and must take full responsibility,” Steenkamp said.
According to the minister, the 150 students were subsequently assessed according to their academic status, admission requirements and available professional training capacity.
NUST is now working to find individual solutions for the affected students rather than applying a single approach to the entire cohort.
The university said it is engaging the ministry of education, innovation, youth, sports, arts and culture (MEIYSAC) as the process continues, while also consulting other stakeholders to identify possible pathways for students whose progression has been affected.
Among the measures being considered are transfers to other NUST programmes or partner institutions.
NUST said it has consulted the Namibia Qualifications Authority (NQA) to validate and authenticate potential receiving institutions, while also engaging independent laboratories to secure additional WIL placements.
The move is aimed at expanding practical training opportunities for students affected by the limited capacity.
The minister previously indicated that 50 students had already been selected for available professional training placements, with the necessary documentation submitted to the relevant professional council and registration certificates issued.
However, another 55 students could not immediately proceed to practical placement because of capacity constraints.
Steenkamp said the government and NUST were exploring options for these students, including possible placement at accredited institutions in the Southern African Development Community region.
“We are looking at various options. And for the 55, yes, we have to see how best we can support them, whether they are interested in these pathways, whether they are interested in the institutions,” she said.
NUST has also acknowledged that the impact of the situation differs from one student to another and said it is therefore considering financial solutions on an individual basis.
“Individual students have been affected by the matter in different ways. The University is therefore determining appropriate financial solutions on a case-by-case basis,” the university said.
Affected students are expected to receive direct communication once consultations on their individual circumstances have been concluded.
NUST has also introduced psychosocial support for students affected by the uncertainty surrounding their studies.
The university said the support is intended to safeguard students’ wellbeing while they navigate the different academic options being considered.
“As a student-centred university, NUST has put measures in place to safeguard the well-being of affected students by providing psychosocial support throughout the process to help them cope with the situation,” it said.
The university further committed to providing every affected student with written information regarding their individual case once consultations have been completed.
The programme’s intake has meanwhile remained suspended as NUST works to address the underlying challenges.
Steenkamp previously confirmed that the programme would remain closed for applications for the 2027 academic year, with the government insisting that practical training capacity, laboratory facilities, professional supervision and regulatory requirements must be in place before further expansion.
NUST said its focus is now on ensuring that affected students receive the necessary support and guidance to progress towards completing their qualifications.
“The University is actively working to ensure that every affected student receives the necessary support and guidance to progress towards completing their qualification in consultation with all key stakeholders,” NUST said.
The university said it remains committed to communicating directly with affected students as arrangements are finalised, while continuing consultations with government, regulatory bodies, professional institutions and other stakeholders.
