The University of Namibia (UNAM), in its quest to enhance graduates' employability, will implement its revised curriculum next year.

UNAM's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kenneth Matengu, says this new curriculum requires collaboration with industry to provide students with the requisite experience and exposure to the real world of work.

Professor Matengu said this at the engagement event with partners in various industries.

The objectives of the engagement event include creating and strengthening UNAM's relationship with strategic industry partners in the quest for quality-assured, work-integrated education practices.

In a speech read on his behalf, Professor Matengu emphasized the curriculum transformation agenda, which seeks to enhance graduates' employability skills.

This, he says, is a requirement for the future of work and the labor force as contained in the 4th Industrial Revolution.

"It is critical that we work together to provide opportunities for young people in this country to acquire skills for the future labor force as we embrace the digital economy propelled by the fourth industrial revolution; we are preparing not only for local markets but also for world citizens, students relevant to the needs of humanity worldwide, a university without borders."

Deputy Executive Director at the Ministry of Higher Education, Technology, and Innovation, Dr. Raimo Naanda, also noted graduates not meeting the skills required in the industry has been a serious concern for employers.

"This could be true, because we have observed that many of our students and trainees exit the educational training system without experiencing real work-life experience, and I, therefore, believe that it is time for us to engage industries and advocate the importance of work-integrated education."

Another issue that was raised was the need to have a well-coordinated internship program in the country to prevent organizations from abusing interns with overtime work and working without getting an allowance.