18 October 2019Official Weekly Newsletter of NUST

The Tech Namibia University of Science and Technology - NUST

NUST Namibia

@NUST_Namibia

www.nust.na

An award-winning university

• Rated Best Higher Education Institution in Namibia (PMR since 2002)• Rated Most Innovative Institution in Namibia (PMR 2014, 2016)

2019 THEME: CATALYSING YOUTH EMPOWERMENT FOR THE FOURTH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION

FROM LEFT: Angy Uumati, Graduate: Bachelor of Communication; Prof Alinah Segobye; Mr Moss Garde, NUST Registrar; Ms Eva and Mr Hofni Uumati: Angy’s grandparents, and Dr Martha Uumati: Angy’s mother.

NUST 2019 Spring Graduation Ceremony gets face-lift

Over 400 students graduated from NUST last week at a Ceremony that was revamped and made bigger and better. The event was not only a celebration for the graduates, but it served as an inspirational occasion, as they embark on a new chapter of their lives. From mobile phones being permitted in the venue, to live streaming the event on various social media platforms, the event offered many new features. Various stakeholders were also given the opportunity to congratulate the graduates in the media. Additionally, various youthful NUST alumni

gave motivational speeches ahead of the official proceedings. Governor motivates the youthThe Governor of the Bank of Namibia, Mr Iipumbu Shiimi, addressed the gathering. His speech, which zeroed-in on his childhood experiences, to the importance of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, was received with admiration from all quarters. Speaking about how young people should prepare themselves for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, he said: “The youth should work hard to establish their own digital companies

which will create value and serve the world population. The youth should also develop products and services that can be sold on existing platforms such as Alibaba, Amazon etc. This way you are not limited to the small Namibian market as you have access to the global market.”Minister gives reassurance The Minister of Higher Education, Training and Innovation, Hon Dr Itah Kandjii-Murangi, delivered the keynote address. “I am well aware that whilst today is indeed joyous occasion, many of you are anxious.

Anxious about what the future holds. It takes conscious efforts to be optimistic at times of uncertainty, but I want to reassure you that the Namibian Government is not oblivious to the challenges many of our people are facing. Government has invested heavily in creating employment opportunities for young people in efforts to address the socio-economic challenges faced by the country. It is a gradual process.”

During the Ceremony, the broadcast was viewed live over 70 000 on Facebook within and beyond Namibia’s borders. Our most popular post across the social media platforms read as follows:

Priceless moment

“I want to reassure you that the Namibian Government is not oblivious to the challenges many of our people are facing,”

Hon Dr Itah Kandjii-Murangi, Minister of Higher Education, Training and Innovation

One of our students and former SRC member, Angy Uumati, was in ICU a few days ago and could not make it to the Ceremony. SO...we thought, why not have a Ceremony for her at the hospital. The Dean of the Faculty of Human Sciences, Prof Alinah Segobye and the Registrar, Mr Moss Garde gave Angy her degree a short while ago, in the presence of her close family and friends. We got your back Angy! Get well soon #nustgraduation2019

...as student graduates in hospital

Hon Dr Itah Kandjii-Murangi, Minister of Higher Education, Training and Innovation (front row, fourth from left), flanked by Dr Alfred van Kent, Executive Director: Ministry of Higher Education, Training and Innovation (front row, third from left); Mr Morné du Toit, Acting NUST Vice-Chancellor (front row, fifth from left); Mr Iipumbu Shiimi, Governor of the Bank of Namibia (front row, seventh from left), Council Members, and Senior Management of the University.

Brief analytics of the live stream

During the visit, Uumati was delighted to receive her qualification in such a unique manner. The hospital staff also joined in on the celebration and gave her a cake to mark the occasion. Her mother expressed her utmost gratitude for the gestures, saying that her daughter had been looking forward to attending the Ceremony, but her health interfered with her plans. Prof Segobye said that this was a bitter-sweet moment and wished her a speedy recovery on behalf of the University.

Namibia Media Holdings provided live streaming services for the Ceremony. Here the team is pictured behind the scenes with NUST Marketing and Communication staff.

Total Facebook ViewsPages: Republikein, Namibian Sun, Allgemeine Zeitung, Windhoek Express

71 805

Peak Live Viewers 223

50 705Minutes Viewed

*Analytics provided by Namibia Media Holdings (NMH)

Hamupembe Matheus - I was in grade two in 2002, when I lost my biological parents. My hard work paid off and I never gave up. I can’t hold back tears, I wish my parents were alive to witness what they have brought on earth . I dedicate this to them. Thanks to my guardians. Ilinga Fransisco Matunga - Where someone is from doesn’t limit what you want to achieve.Otto Petrus - If you have to eat fat cakes with soup or drink Oros, just to get the energy to study, just do it. Trust me it will all be worth it in the end.

Tweets by graduates

18 October 2019Page 02

The Tech

2019 THEME: CATALYSING YOUTH EMPOWERMENT FOR THE FOURTH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION

The programmes are: Master of English and Applied Linguistics (MEAL)Thirteen (13) candidates received Masters in English and Applied Linguistics (MEAL) qualification, under the Faculty of Human Sciences. The MEAL programme focuses on applied linguistics, digital literacies, popular literature and the application of literary and linguistic knowledge to solve real world problems. The graduates are now well-grounded in language, cognitive stylistics, functional linguistics and communication skills and some have already proceeded to doctoral studies. Career opportunities: lecturers, language researchers, news editors, teachers, curriculum developers, language

policymakers, translators, content developers for media.

Postgraduate Diploma in ManagementSixteen (16) students obtained this qualification, under the Harold Pupkewitz - Graduate School of Business (HP-GBS), Faculty of Management Sciences. The programme seeks to improve the competitiveness of human capital locally, regionally and internationally by embedding required knowledge, skills and competencies. Furthermore, the diploma is specifically structured to address self-management and management of people, as well as managing financial resources. Career opportunities include managerial position across various sectors.

Three programmes were awarded for the first time at the just-ended Ceremony. The University continuously seeks ways to ensure curriculum development by revising existing programmes, in addition to introducing new ones.

New programmes awarded in three facultiesBachelor of Civil Engineering Double Degree Six (6) students from FH Aachen University of Applied Sciences in Germany, were awarded the Bachelor of Civil Engineering Double Degree programme under the Faculty of Engineering. This was made possible through an international partner Agreement between NUST and FH Aachen. Under the Civil Engineering Double Degree programme, students are afforded the opportunity to take part in exchange

opportunities and obtain qualifications endorsed by both universities. The graduates are now equipped with theoretical and practical skills that will enable them to plan, design, construct, and maintain structures such as bridges, dams and buildings. Career opportunities: urban planning engineer, environments engineer, construction supervisor etc.

Former SRC President, Marvellous Shilongo, who also graduated, wore an outfit with a cape that had names of the people that contributed to her success. The names included her family and friends, as well as well-known influential figures such as Ms Daisry Mathias, an Advisor to Namibia’s Head of State; Mr Morné du Toit, the NUST Acting Vice-Chancellor; Dr Tjama Tjivikua, the former NUST Vice-Chancellor; and Mr Iipumbu Shiimi, the Governor of the Bank of Namibia. Shilongo obtained a Bachelor of Economics degree.

Her outfit tells a marvellous story!

Scenes at the Ceremony...big smiles everywhere

Prof Ing Thomas Krause,Professor in Civil Engineering: FH Aachen University of Applied Sciences, Germany (fourth from left) , and Prof Victor Kamara Associate Professor, Structural Engineering Civil and Environmental Engineering: NUST (fifth from left), pictured with the double degree graduates.

Senior staff of the Faculty of Human Sciences, pictured with the Masters graduates.