How a father's advice shaped a NUST academic's future

Dr Gereon Koch Kapuire’s path at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) is a story of resilience, growth and impact. 

Kapuire, who grew up in Katutura, says his father played a major role in his life.

“You are an intelligent boy, so make sure that you go all the way with your education,” his father told him. Those words stayed with him and pushed him to keep learning. 

Although his father wanted him to study accounting, Kapuire followed a path into computing. “At that time, joining the computing space was both a mystery and an adventurous decision,” he said. 

Kapuire earned a national certificate in business computing at NUST, followed by a national diploma in business computing and later a bachelor of information technology (BTech/Honours).

He then pursued a master of science in computer science at the University of Cape Town in South Africa before completing a PhD in computer science at the Queensland University of Technology in Australia, specialising in human-computer interaction.

Before joining NUST, Kapuire worked at the First National Bank of Namibia in information technology.

Kapuire currently works as a senior lecturer in the software development strand within the software engineering department at NUST.

He said that this job gave him invaluable experience. “Working in the banking industry gave me invaluable exposure to real-world software development, database management, and enterprise information systems."

Professional and personal impact

His academic journey at NUST began in 2005, when the institution was still known as the Polytechnic of Namibia.

Kapuire said that his early years at the university were filled with growth and service. “My journey at NUST has been one of continuous growth, learning, and service," he told Careers.

"When I joined… I never imagined how much the university would shape my professional and personal development. Over the past 21 years, I have had the privilege of serving in various capacities, including lab technician, junior lecturer, lecturer, senior lecturer, deputy head of department, acting head of the software engineering department, and briefly as acting executive dean," Kapuire said. 

He noted that over the years, he has "taught thousands of students, many of whom are now software developers, ICT professionals, entrepreneurs, managers, researchers, and leaders in Namibia and beyond."

Kapuire encourages young people to strive towards impact.

“Use your knowledge, talents and skills to make a positive difference in your community and in Namibia," he advises. "True success is not measured only by personal achievements, but by the lives you touch, the opportunities you create for others and the legacy you leave behind,” he added.