Renthia Kaimbi
Welwitchia University nursing student Karien Kaunapawa Nikanor died in an apparent suicide last week after allegedly failing the Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE).
Nikanor was a second-year, trimester student in the Bachelor of Nursing and Midwifery Science programme.
The director of corporate engagement and international relations at Welwitchia University, Christel Nassauw, confirmed the tragedy but said that no suicide note was found.
She added that no direct link between Nikanor’s academic performance and her death can be established.
“Yes, I confirm it to be true. The reasons behind the student’s death are not confirmed and cannot be tied to the institution. I cannot confirm whether she indeed failed OSCE (practicals), as students are still busy with exams,” Nassauw said.
OSCE is a high-stakes assessment method that tests nursing students’ clinical skills through simulated scenarios.
The exam evaluates their ability to perform practical tasks, communicate effectively, and make critical decisions before treating real patients.
The university has extended condolences to Nikanor’s family and offered counselling services to students.
A memorial vigil was planned by student organisers. Nassauw said the institution will also host a reinforcement campaign during Suicide Awareness Month.
“It is very unfortunate. In fact, yesterday, we had a candle vigil for the student, because it’s very unfortunate to lose one of our own in such a tragic way. And the institution is also going to host a reinforcement campaign for our students and any other students that would want to join in recognition of Suicide Awareness Month,” she said.
The tragedy comes amid growing frustration among nursing students and professionals over evaluation systems in Namibia.
Earlier this year, students protested against competency tests introduced by the Nursing Council of Namibia for those moving from enrolled nurse to registered nurse.
Many nurses have criticised the tests as unnecessary obstacles for experienced professionals.
Natasía Sawas-Swartbooi, representing Unam unemployed graduates, has spoken out against the process. She said while the evaluation system for enrolled nurses is separate from OSCE, it has created delays in registration and worsened unemployment among graduates.
“I still stand my ground; it’s not necessary. It’s just a money-making scheme at the end of the day, and it’s leaving a lot of graduates unemployed,” Sawas-Swartbooi said.
Between January and March this year, 124 people died by suicide in Namibia, with 108 of them being men, according to statistics released by the Namibian Police.
Between January and May 2023, police recorded 151 suicides, with 123 of the victims being men.
In total, the 2023/2024 financial year recorded 542 lives lost to suicide, including eight boys and five girls, the youngest of whom was only five years old.
