Concerns are being raised by Medical Laboratory Science students at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) over admission requirements, progression into third year and limited work-integrated learning placements.
Affected students say they are seeking clarity from the university on their academic status.
Third-year students were informed that only 50 of 64 students could be placed for work-integrated learning, leaving 14 students who had met the academic requirements waiting for the next placement cycle.
"I'm not self-funded; I'm funded by NSFAF. And the longer they prolong the situation, and I don't know now if they are going to communicate or not, because we've been waiting; it's been over a month, and I can't be sitting at home not doing anything, not knowing what's going on," said student Gamena Iyambo.
Students say the measures do not adequately address their concerns, with some claiming they were told they would not be allowed to write examinations.
They are demanding answers from the university.
The Public Relations Officer for the Medical Laboratory Science Society, Candle Kamunduuri, stressed, "What we as the students require from NUST is to take accountability and for them to be held liable for the mistake that they have committed and also provide the necessities that all students that have been affected require in order to move forward from this dilemma."
For the 20 students who do not meet the programme's updated admission requirements, the situation affects their ability to continue in the programme, as the university considers alternative study pathways.
"To tell us now, at this point, to drop everything and go home, look for other alternatives – what about the years we have wasted here? What about our funds? What about our rent? We are on NSFAF, the majority of us. So what happens to our contracts?" asked another student, Risto Kaapanda.
The Students Union of Namibia Boarch Charirpersin Benhard Kavau says, following a meeting with the Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, a task team will be established to investigate the matter and find amicable solutions.
The task team is expected to include the line ministry, NUST management, accredited student union representatives and the affected students.
"We are calling all the parents; we are calling the students that are affected, and this matter is receiving the highest attention. There must be no panic; we will find a solution together. We are also saying for the students that are affected mentally, NUST has social support offices - there are student counsellors that are available. Please do not die in silence."
NUST management did not comment on the protest and advised the media to await a further official statement.