Windhoek: The International Training College-Lingua on Thursday marked 25 years of excellence and growth with the graduation of 1,200 new graduates. Vice President Lucia Witbooi in her official remarks at the ceremony praised the institution for its ongoing contribution to human capital development and skills enhancement in Namibia.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Witbooi highlighted the essential role of private tertiary institutions in improving access to quality higher education and supporting government initiatives to address the national skills gap. She noted that achieving a 25-year milestone reflects the institution's resilience, growth, and unwavering commitment to producing workforce-ready graduates.
"We celebrate the achievements of graduates who have demonstrated commitment, perseverance, and determination in pursuing their academic aspirations. At the same time, we honour an institution that has dedicated the past quarter century to education, empowering and preparing individuals to contribute meaningfully to society," she remarked.
The vice president said the graduation theme, "Celebrating 25 Years of Excellence, Growth, and Transformation," reflects the college's remarkable journey. "It represents an institution that has remained committed to academic excellence, innovation, accessibility, and the development of skilled professionals who continue to make valuable contributions across different sectors of our economy and to our society. Your journey demonstrates the impact that can be achieved when an institution remains committed to its vision, embraces change and places human development at the centre of its mission," Witbooi stated.
The graduates completed certificates, diplomas, degrees, and master's degrees in diverse fields, including accounting, finance, business administration, information technology, education, law, hospitality, and clothing production.
Moreover, Witbooi stated that the government acknowledges that access to quality education is a strategic investment in the nation's future, praising Lingua for its ongoing partnership in enrolling and supporting students benefiting from subsidised education programmes. "This partnership reflects the shared responsibility between government and private educational institutions to ensure that more Namibians have access to quality education and acquire skills that are relevant to the changing demands of the world of work," she noted.
Addressing the graduating class, Kehad Snydewel, Managing Director at Green Enterprise Solutions, highlighted that while academic qualifications and technical skills are essential, long-term success is determined by personal character, behaviour, and relationships. He encouraged graduates to cultivate meaningful networks with their peers, as today's classmates may become tomorrow's business partners, clients, and industry colleagues driving organisational solutions.