By: Stephanus Pombili
Fifteen (15) years ago, I found myself at a crossroads.
Life’s unpredictable course led me to make the difficult decision to drop out of school. At the time, I believed that I had forfeited my dreams of attaining higher education and of ever stepping into a career I could be proud of.
The years that followed were filled with uncertainty, punctuated by moments of quiet resignation. I accepted what seemed to be my fate that the door to education had been shut forever.
Yet today, I am a proud holder of a bachelor’s degree in business management and an Honours degree from NUST. I am also currently pursuing an Honours degree in Environmental Studies at the International University of Management (IUM).
This is not merely a personal achievement; it is a profound testament to the transformative power of second chances and the impact of a supportive academic institution like IUM.
My reintroduction to formal education began in earnest between 2016 and 2018 when I enrolled at IUM under the Centre for Improved Institutional Performance (CIIP) programme.
At that juncture in my life, I was driven not by ambition, but by the desire to redeem myself, to prove that the chapter of academic failure need not be the final one. It was at IUM that I began to believe again.
During my time in the CIIP programme, I obtained a Certificate in Office Administration, followed by a Diploma in Office Administration, and ultimately an Executive Diploma in Office Management. These qualifications were not mere pieces of paper.
They were stepping stones, each representing a milestone of personal redemption and a resurgence of academic confidence.
More than that, they equipped me with practical and relevant skills, which directly contributed to my securing a position within my workplace. For someone who once felt discarded by the education system, this was nothing short of a miracle.
With newfound confidence, in 2019, I took a bold step and applied to study at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST).
My academic foundation, built and strengthened at IUM, proved invaluable. I excelled at NUST, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in 2023 and subsequently earning an Honours degree in 2024. However, my academic journey did not end there.
Driven by a desire to align my studies with my career at the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism and by an emerging passion for environmental stewardship I returned to IUM to pursue an Honours Degree in Environmental Studies.
It felt like a full-circle moment. Returning to the institution that had once nurtured my fragile hopes and ambitions was deeply symbolic and profoundly gratifying.
What makes this journey exceptional is not only the degrees and qualifications I’ve earned but also the transformation I underwent as a person. At IUM, education is not merely about academics; it is about nurturing the whole individual.
I encountered lecturers who didn’t simply teach, they mentored, guided, and uplifted. Their words instilled belief where there had once been self-doubt.
I vividly remember being encouraged to sit in the front rows during classes. Though it may seem a small gesture, it carries immense significance. It was a symbolic push forward, one that helped me understand that I mattered, that I had potential, and that I could still rise.
IUM played an instrumental role in helping me reshape not only my academic journey but also my sense of self-worth.
The institution’s emphasis on inclusive and accessible education ensures that those who once strayed from the academic path can find their way back with dignity and purpose,” she said.
To those who, like me, once felt lost or disillusioned by their educational setbacks, I offer this message: It is never too late to start again.
Even the smallest academic pursuit, such as a short course, can spark a transformation. The journey back to school need not be overwhelming.
Begin where you are, with what you have.
At IUM, I started with a certificate. Today, I am pursuing my second Honours degree. Your dreams remain valid, no matter how long they have been dormant.
IUM remains one of the finest institutions in Namibia when it comes to quality education and inclusive teaching. It is an institution that sees beyond your failures and invests in your future.
I am living proof that a lost academic path can be reclaimed, and that redemption is always within reach for those who dare to try again.
To all the dedicated educators, particularly those at IUM: your work is immeasurable.
What may seem to you like a simple word of encouragement could be the very reason a student chooses to persevere. Your role is vital, not just in imparting knowledge, but in shaping lives and fostering resilience.
Please know that your passion, patience, and belief in your students can have ripple effects far beyond the classroom.
My story, while deeply personal, is far from unique.
There are countless others whose lives have been changed by IUM’s unwavering commitment to educational empowerment.
I hope that in sharing my journey, I can inspire at least one person to reconsider the path they thought was closed off. Whether you are 20 or 50, education remains a powerful equalizer and a source of endless possibilities.
Today, I hold multiple academic qualifications: a Certificate in Office Administration, a Diploma in Office Administration, an Executive Diploma in Office Management, a bachelor’s degree in business management, an Honours degree, and I am currently pursuing an Honours degree in Environmental Studies.
Each of these represents more than academic success, they symbolize hope, resilience, and the strength of the human spirit.
To those who feel that their dreams are behind them, or that life has dealt them an insurmountable blow, I urge you: to consider IUM.
Consider what a supportive environment, dedicated lecturers, and a clear vision for your future could do for you. The International University of Management is not just a place of learning, it is a place of transformation. It is the future, and for many of us, it is the answer we have long been searching for.
Let my journey serve as a reminder that no setback is final. Education is a continuous process, and it is never too late to take the first step. Reclaim your dreams.
Rewrite your story! Begin your academic journey today with IUM. Are you a proud IUM alumnus? If yes, email your IUM academic journey to stefanuss174@gmail.com.
NB: Remember, you can start your academic journey like Mrs. Tulimo Frans, and enroll at IUM now with CIIP programs.
Stephanus Pombili is an independent consultant and researcher. The views expressed here are his own and do not reflect the official position of IUM.
