Staff Reporter
THE Minister of Agriculture, Inge Zaamwani, has acknowledged the challenges faced by veterinary graduates who are unable to practise due to their unregistered status with the Namibian Veterinary Council, but emphasised that the ministry has implemented measures to support them.
“These interventions reflect a multi-pronged approach to addressing the registration challenges faced by Namibian veterinary graduates. They reaffirm the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that all qualified professionals are adequately supported in their journey toward fill registration and integration into the veterinary profession,” Zaamwani said.
The minister addressed these concerns while responding to questions posed by Michael Mulunga in Parliament regarding Namibian veterinary graduates – some of whom completed their studies as far back as 2020 – who remain unregistered and unable to practise. She revealed that more than 30 graduates are affected, particularly those who studied outside the country.
“Candidates who hold foreign veterinary qualifications that are not accredited by the Namibian Veterinary Council are permitted three attempts at the Council’s registration examination. This provision affords them sufficient opportunity to familiarize themselves with the examination format, content, and expectations. Furthermore, candidates enrolled for the Council examination may apply for temporary registration, which enables them to actively participate in various sectors of the veterinary profession during the interim period. This exposure is intended to enhance their practical competencies and improve their readiness for subsequent examination attempts,” Zaamwani said.
She added that, to further support these candidates, the University of Namibia (UNAM) has, since 2022, offered a dedicated eight-week preparatory module specifically designed for individuals who obtained their qualifications outside Namibia.
“This module provides targeted academic and practical support aligned with the Council’s examination standards. In 2024, the Directorate of Veterinary Services took an additional step by arranging for the enrolment fees for this module to be covered by the Ministry for candidates who expressed interest in sitting for the Council examination. This initiative reflects the Ministry’s commitment to capacity building and professional integration,” the minister said.
She also highlighted that candidates retain the option of enrolling in the later years of an accredited veterinary institution, thereby obtaining a qualification that meets the Council’s standards. Upon graduation from such an institution, the candidates may apply for registration without the need for further examination.
Zaamwani pointed out that, to qualify as a veterinary specialist, a candidate must hold an advanced degree obtained by examination, specifically a Master of Veterinary Medicine, a Doctorate (PhD), or an equivalent qualification accepted by the Namibian Veterinary Council.
“The application requirements are outlined in Section 22 of the Regulations, and must be submitted through the Office of the Registrar. Upon verification that the candidate meets all prescribed qualifications and has provided the necessary documentation, the Council is obliged to register the individual as a veterinary specialist,” Zaamwani said.
She also highlighted that an internship programme was initiated and facilitated by the Directorate of Veterinary Services, specifically designed to assist candidates in preparing for the Council registration examination. She added that this initiative aims to provide practical exposure and strengthen candidates’ readiness for the examination process.
“Regrettably, despite the support provided, none of the interns enrolled in the programme successfully passed the examination upon completion of their internship. Nevertheless, the programme remains in place, and the Ministry will continue to monitor its effectiveness and observe the outcomes in the next examination cycle,” Zaamwani added.
Photo: File
