The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture said it is committed to ensuring that Namibian institutions of higher learning do more than teach but transform.

Sanet Steekamp says education must be relevant, responsive, intentional and research-focused, and it must teach beyond the classroom.

Steenkamp made the remarks at the inauguration of the Katima Mulilo new veterinary consulting room of the university's veterinary academic hospital at Katima Mulilo.

The Veterinary Consulting room is the second branch of the veterinary hospital after Windhoek.

Steenkamp says the facility will give final-year veterinary students real-world hands-on experience that reflects the basic realities of Namibia's animal health challenges.

"The facility will provide not only training of students but also essential veterinary services to farmers, pet owners, and custodians of the magnificent wildlife in the Zambezi Region. It will increase access to clinical care, strengthen local animal health systems, and contribute to food security through better livestock productivity."

The Education Minister noted the facility will serve as a hub for research, surveillance, rapid diagnostics, and data collection for day-to-day activities and help detect, prevent, and respond to animal diseases.

UNAM's Vice Chancellor, Professor Kenneth Matengu, says the veterinary laboratory is necessary to ensure that farmers are aware of the causes of death of their livestock and wild animals.

"All veterinary graduates of UNAM are fully recognised and registrable in the Republic of South Africa and will not require or be subjected to examinations for registration if they wish to practise in South Africa, by the fact that this means that this recognition goes to New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom."

So far UNAM has produced 86 veterinary doctors, all employed, while 136 are in training.