Potential graduates from the University of Namibia (UNAM) who are in arrears are currently unable to obtain their qualification certificates or academic transcripts.
This has caused concern among many students who are scheduled to graduate next month, as they worry about the impact of their university debt on their future prospects.
Previously, Unam allowed potential graduates to access their qualification certificates and academic transcripts even if they were in arrears, provided that they cleared their debt before receiving their official documents.
However, this year the university has tightened its policy and is refusing to release the certificates and transcripts to students with outstanding debt.
This change in policy has been met with dissatisfaction from the affected students, who argue that their debt is not entirely their fault, especially since the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) does not fully cover hostel accommodation expenses.
As a result, many students find themselves accumulating debt throughout their years of study.
Apart from hostel fees, a significant portion of the debt is owed by self-funded students and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The growing issue of student debt has caught the attention of local social worker Berthiliah Simbaranda-Vistor, who has counselled numerous students struggling with education-related debt.
She believes that this problem needs urgent attention, as it may contribute to unemployment, crime, and other social issues in the future.
Simbaranda-Vistor also highlights the psychological toll that student debt can take on individuals.
Students burdened with debt often experience depression, anxiety, sleeplessness, and loss of motivation. In extreme cases, some even contemplate suicide.
These mental health effects further emphasise the urgency of addressing the student debt crisis.
Youth activists have attempted to engage the university in finding a different solution, but their efforts have been unsuccessful thus far.
UNAM,s spokesperson, Simon Namesho, explained in a written response that the decision to withhold academic transcripts is due to the student's failure to pay their dues, which poses financial risks to the university.
The total debt owed by self-funded students to Unam amounts to over N$ 356 million.
However, the affected students are demanding the university's intervention and threatening to boycott the upcoming graduation ceremony in April if their demands are not met.
They argue that it is pointless to graduate without any academic records or documents proving their completion of studies at Unam.
Despite the challenging situation, there is hope for students facing financial difficulties.
Simbaranda-Vistor shares a positive example of one student who received assistance from an organization and is now on track to graduate.
It is crucial for community leaders, such as headmen and women, pastors, social workers, and psychologists, to be aware of the resources available to assist students and to provide them with appropriate referrals.