First masters of logistics on course
The first intake for the Masters degree in Logistics at the Polytechnic is the culmination of an academic programme which started four years ago to build human capacity in logistics in support of developing Namibia as a logistics hub.
The total value of the scholarships is N$168,000 set for six students and is to be the driving force behind stimulating home-grown students and professionals to pursue Logistics and Transportation at Master’s Degree level at the Polytechnic of Namibia.
The event was hosted by the Acting Director of NGCL, Logan Fransman. The Rector of the Polytechnic of Namibia, Prof Tjama Tjivikua, who opened the event emphasised the role and the importance of Logistics, especially in southern Africa.
“Developing the field of Logistics in the region, both academically and practically is essential and DAAD and the Polytechnic’s collaboration allows this to become a reality. The scholarships are a real sign of commitment by DAAD, as they have been for the last few years,” he added
“Logistics is a vital aspect of the National Development Plan (NDP 4) of Namibia, the sponsorship of these high calibre students means they will be educated to a post-graduate level that will let them compete with Logistics professionals internationally. This all contributes to help lift logistics and transportation to a higher level in Namibia,” he said.
Miss Janntje Böhlke-Itzen, from the University of Flensburg and Project Director of NGCL who delivered the keynote said, “the students who are receiving this financial assistance have proven that they are the best of the best. These scholarships will make their lives a little bit easier and allow them to focus on the essentials of the Master’s programme.”
“It allows both the Polytechnic and the students to take advantage to pursue excellence in the field of logistics. We believe that if we truly want logistics to thrive and prosper in this part of the world, which it must, we must both build and grow excellence in this field. The students you see here today are truly the pillars of the development and growth of logistics in Namibia as an industry,” she added. Paulus Matheus, one of the students said,“It is great to receive recognition for our hard work and have the opportunity to develop our knowledge, skills and interest in Logistics with this scholarship programme. I really want to thank both the Polytechnic of Namibia, NGCL and DAAD for making this possible.”
