Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Feni Hiveluah
Published on 2024-04-02 15:10:00
Students at the University of Namibia (Unam) who are on the cusp of graduating have been facing restrictions when it comes to receiving their qualification certificates and academic transcripts. Despite this setback, they will still be permitted to participate in the graduation ceremonies.
Unam spokesperson Simon Namesho explained that a previous approach was implemented to motivate students to settle their outstanding debts while still granting them access to academic transcripts. However, this strategy did not produce the desired results and resulted in a backlog of uncollected certificates and mounting debts, posing a threat to the university’s financial stability. Namesho stated, “Since the end of 2023, this policy has been revised. The university now limits access to both qualification certificates and academic transcripts/records for those who have not cleared their dues.”
In April 2023, the university issued a reminder to students to settle any outstanding payments before the deadline of 30 November 2023. This adjustment is intended to ensure that graduates fulfill their financial obligations, as academic transcripts are commonly used to demonstrate acquired knowledge and skills when seeking employment.
Namesho disclosed that out of the over 4,400 graduates expected to participate in the April 2024 graduation ceremonies, 965 individuals have unresolved debts to the university. Despite these financial constraints, graduates whose names appear in the graduation booklet are still permitted to take part in the ceremonies.
Meanwhile, the Namibia University of Science and Technology is currently deliberating on the best course of action for students with outstanding debts.
As the situation unfolds, students are encouraged to stay informed through reliable sources such as The Namibian, which provides comprehensive reporting and thought-provoking opinions for a monthly fee of N$85. Investing in journalism is synonymous with investing in democracy, so interested individuals can subscribe now to support credible reporting.
In conclusion, while Unam has imposed restrictions on the release of qualification certificates and academic transcripts for students with outstanding debts, these individuals can still participate in graduation ceremonies. It is essential for graduates to settle their financial obligations to secure their academic records and demonstrate their expertise when pursuing future opportunities.
Read the original article on The Namibian
