The Livestock and Livestock Products Board (LLPB) has approved plans to recruit and deploy 36 veterinary graduates as interns to strengthen practical veterinary skills and support animal health services in Namibia.
LLPB Chief Executive Officer Vehaka Tjimune announced the initiative during the third annual Best Students Award Ceremony at the University of Namibia’s (UNAM) Neudamm Campus.
Tjimune said the programme would provide veterinary graduates with practical workplace experience, allowing them to apply their academic knowledge while working alongside experienced veterinarians.
“The graduates will have an opportunity to work alongside experienced veterinarians and gain practical experience, particularly in diagnosing animal diseases,” Tjimune said.
The internship programme is expected to strengthen graduates’ diagnostic skills and improve their readiness to enter the veterinary profession.
It will also help bridge the gap between academic training and the practical requirements of veterinary services, particularly in animal disease diagnosis.
However, the board did not disclose when recruitment would begin, how long the internships would run or where the graduates would be deployed.
Meanwhile, the LLPB awarded N$5,000 each to two UNAM students in recognition of their academic performance in animal science.
Paulina Fillemon received the Best Student in Animal Science award, while Innocent Hiangoro was recognised as the Best MSc Animal Science Graduate.
Fillemon was also named the overall top student in the Department of Animal Production, Agribusiness and Economics (DAPAE), earning an additional N$10,000 from Kamab Simbra and a floating trophy.
Tjimune encouraged students to pursue careers in animal science and veterinary services, emphasising the importance of technical skills, practical training and determination.
“Your time as a student is a stage in your life that requires resilience, determination and a clear sense of purpose,” he said.
He also urged students to make use of the knowledge and practical training provided by academic staff to prepare for employment in the livestock industry.
The internship initiative forms part of the LLPB’s efforts to support skills development and provide veterinary graduates with practical experience in Namibia’s livestock
