Medical Laboratory Sciences students at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) are calling for urgent intervention over concerns surrounding internship and practical training opportunities.

The students and parents marched from NUST to Government Park, where they handed over a petition to the Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture.

The Education Minister Sanet Steenkamp called for calm and patience, saying students will continue to be consulted as solutions are considered.

Dr Steenkamp said they were awaiting a full report from NUST before announcing the way forward.

"Your fears and your anxieties are legitimate. Your questions and your demands for your right to education are also legitimate."

The Deputy Director in the ministry, Dr. Lisho Mundia says the Medical Laboratory Sciences programme is a specialised field that requires engagement with relevant regulatory bodies and adherence to professional standards.

"There can never be a better way forward than to remediate the situation in the best interest of the students."

A parent, Dinah Mbaeva, expressed her dissatisfaction with the university, saying students and their families have lost faith in the institution and its leadership.

"Our problem arises with the in-service training labs. NIP has more than 10. PathCare is a certified lab, and there are more than two or three in Namibia. We parents request that the Minister of Education engage with the Minister of Health and recruit more labs, rather than sending our children to other countries. We want our motherland to accommodate our children."

Speaking on behalf of the students, Intan Baadjes says they are concerned that only a limited number of students are being selected for internship opportunities, leaving others without the practical training required to advance their careers.

"This is not just affecting students academically; it is affecting their mental health. It is affecting students and their parents. It is also affecting transport. It's two years of things that could have been addressed completely."