New Era

OSHAKATI - A number of University of Namibia (Unam) Northern Campus students obtained their certificates, diplomas, advanced diplomas, degrees, masters degrees and a doctorate degree in four different professions at Ongwediva's trade fair grounds last week Friday.

The graduation ceremony was presided over by the university congregation consisting of Unam Chancellor Dr Sam Nujoma, President Hifikepunye Pohamba, Unam Vice-Chancellor Professor Lazarus Hangula and Unam board and staff members.

Addressing the ceremony, President Pohamba said the graduation ceremony is one of the happy occasions in the north, after the regions have just battled with the trauma of floods.

"The occasion is following the battle with mother nature, over the past months during which we confronted destructive forces of floodwaters in the north and north-eastern regions. Today should therefore serve as part of renewal of our drive to retake our destiny into our own hands," said Pohamba.

Pohamba said he was gratified as it was evident that graduands have taken education seriously, hence they have completed their studies. He also applauded the parents for the support rendered towards the realisation of their dreams.

The 276 students graduated in fields of nursing, education, agriculture and HIV/AIDS counselling.

Three nursing graduates, Laudika Haikwiyu, Autoni Tuuliki and Shilomboleni Martha passed their diplomas in Comprehensive Nursing Science and Midwifery Science, cum laude. Two Medical and Health Science students also obtained Masters degrees in Public Health and Nursing Science respectively.

Former nurse Katriina Kuna Shikongo was the highlight of the event when she obtained a Doctorate Degree in Nursing. Shikongo's achievement became the first of its kind at the Northern Campus.

Dr Shikongo, a product of Oshigambo High School and now a lecturer at Unam Northern Campus, started her nursing career in 1972 before she completed her first nursing degree in 1985 through the University of South Africa (Unisa).

She obtained her honors degree in 1988 and in 1999, she acquired a Masters Degree in Nursing Science through Unam.

Shikongo's dissertation titled: 'Strategies to facilitate application of sociology of development in nursing practice in Namibia', was written after research carried out in Windhoek, Onandjokwa and Oshakati.

Another highlight of the event was the awarding of N$10 000 to the Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Professor Luke Kanyomeka who is based at Unam Ogongo Campus was given the prize for being the main brain behind the concept of rice production in Namibia.

Tons of rice are expected to be harvested in oshanas in the northern and north-eastern regions of Namibia.

Before handing over the cheque, Unam's Vice-Chancellor Professor Lazarus Hangula applauded Kanyomeka for the good initiative.

According to Hangula, because of Kanyomeka's initiative, today Namibia is hopeful that it can produce enough rice to feed the whole country.

Kanyomeka, who is originally from Zambia, holds several qualifications from the University of Zambia and a Doctorate Degree in Agronomy from the University of Pretoria.

The initiative of rice production in Namibia started in 2002, whereby different rice species were tested. About eight suitable crops were identified. This year, five small-scale farmers in the Omusati Region are expected to successfully harvest rice.

Because of Kanyomeka's initiative, Unam and the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry are busy with the rice plantation at Kalimbeza in the Caprivi Region.

Unam Chancellor and Founding President of the Republic of Namibia Dr Sam Nujoma, said the initiative is aiming at addressing food security in the country. Nujoma said a number of community members have been trained and are engaged in rice production.

"I am very happy to inform the public here today that the rice research project has been very successful. The university has demonstrated that Namibia can feed itself if only we invest a little more into this initiative," said Nujoma.

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