NUST addresses Medical Laboratory Sciences accreditation and capacity issues

The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) is addressing accreditation and capacity challenges within its Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences programme. A record intake of 150 students for the 2025 cohort has placed significant pressure on practical training facilities, laboratory resources, and professional supervision required for work-integrated learning (WIL).

To comply with mandates from the Health Professions Council of Namibia (HPCNA), the university is working to align student numbers with sustainable training capacity. NUST has selected 50 students for placement based on eligibility and academic progression, for whom registration certificates have been issued by the HPCNA. The institution is also exploring placement opportunities at other universities within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.

Education Minister Sanet Steenkamp has called for increased transparency from NUST regarding the institutional challenges and the academic options available to affected students. The minister emphasized the need for clear communication to facilitate potential transfers to SADC institutions.