Graduates turn owners at STADIO

In a move that redefines the rewards of higher education, STADIO Namibia has minted its 2026 postgraduate class as direct shareholders in the institution through its innovative Khulisa Student Share Scheme.

Speaking at the recent graduation ceremony in Windhoek, where over 3 000 qualifications are being awarded, STADIO Principal and Chief Executive Officer Stan du Plessis revealed that the pioneering scheme, which hands out actual business shares alongside academic certificates, has accumulated a value of approximately N$15 million since its 2022 inception.

The initiative aims to push advanced scholars beyond the traditional mindset of entry-level job seeking and directly into long-term, intergenerational wealth creation.

“With the Khulisa Student Share Scheme, STADIO has become the first higher education institution in this region, and we believe, indeed, in the world, to award shares in the business to all our graduating postgraduate students. Since 2022, the shares that we have awarded to students are now worth about fifteen million rand,” said du Plessis.

According to Du Plessis, the scheme is not simply about rewarding students at the end of their studies, but about introducing them to ownership and creating opportunities for wealth accumulation.

“When you cross the stage, you receive not only an academic certificate, but you will also receive a STADIO share certificate to indicate which shares have been awarded to you. And we hope that this will contribute not just to building your own wealth, but also intergenerational wealth for you and your family.” The initiative also carries a message for undergraduate, diploma and certificate students, whom Du Plessis encouraged to persevere with their studies and progress to postgraduate level.

“I hope this will also encourage our undergraduate students and diploma and certificate students to persevere, to keep studying so that you will also become postgraduate students and ultimately become owners and part-owners of this business.”

Du Plessis said graduates should leave the institution with more than technical knowledge, stressing that the ability to continue learning would be critical in a rapidly changing world.

“This moment is not only a celebration of what you have achieved; it is also a moment for you to look to the future with hope,” he said.

He urged graduates to carry confidence in their abilities, while remaining humble and willing to learn. This year’s graduation season is seeing STADIO award 3 054 qualifications, following more than 7 000 qualifications awarded in May. Du Plessis said the graduates had earned the moment through years of discipline, perseverance, and hard work, but their real challenge now was to use their education to shape their futures.

-isipunga@nepc.com.na

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