A total of 1225 young people graduated in various fields and disciplines during the biggest and first ever Winter Convocation of the International University of Management (IUM) held on 15 May at Ongwediva.

Since the IUM was established 32 years ago, it was the first time a gathering of more than 3000 people was arranged in the north, where among the graduates were those who received bachelor’s degrees.

The graduation ceremony consisted of three IUM Campuses, the Ongwediva Campus, Eenhana Campus and Nkurenkuru Campus.

From Ongwediva a total of 814 received their tertiary education qualifications, while Nkurenkuru produced 387 and Eenhana had 24 graduates.

The majority of graduates, making up 90.1% of the total, received diplomas and bachelor degrees in education. The others, totalling 122 and making up 9.9%, received qualifications in Environmental Management and Sustainability Sciences, Health Sciences, Information and Communication Technology, and in Strategic Management and Business Administration.

The Convocation was held under the theme: “Empowered to Serve the Nation and the World”.

Chancellor of IUM Bishop Shekutaamba VV Nambala called on the graduates to go out and serve the nation and the world at large.

“IUM was established to empower and provide learning opportunities, to empower graduates to serve,” said Bishop Nambala.

“You are expected to render a service to the society. The purpose of graduating is not to show off, but to serve your communities with the knowledge you acquired from here.

“Therefore go out and serve without neglect and corruption.”

The Vice Chancellor of IUM Professor Osmund Mwandemele called on the graduates to persevere in life.

“Whatever the case may be, please never give up. Be determined to succeed in life,” said Professor Mwandemele.

“Be strong and determined to achieve whatever in life. Go in the world to become ambassadors. Don’t be educated fools, but use your education to impact the world.”

The second Winter Convocation will take place in Windhoek where 2060 graduates will receive their qualification on 22-23 May 2026.

In the photo: Regina Kasiku Hamupembe receiving her Diploma in Education (Junior Primary) NQF Level 7.