Windhoek — The Polytechnic of Namibia (PoN) Rector, Tjama Tjivikua, is urging the youth to aim for 42 points in their Grade 12 final examinations so that they are in a position of demand by institutions of higher education.

"If you do not apply now then you are in trouble, it is easy you can do it online now. And prepare yourself in such a way that you will be in demand. We (PoN) have received more than 60 000 applications last year and only 4000 were admitted. At Unam(University of Namibia) it is roughly the same and 1000 students are studying outside so 10000 Namibian students are admitted, which means you must look at getting 42points to be sure that you are admitted, because after all we accept the cream of the crop," he urges students.

Dr Tjivikua was speaking at the Ritja Career Fair held at the Habitat Centre on Saturday. He pleadw with the learner to pay more attention to their circumstances, opportunities available and the number of youth that compete for these opportunities. He further bpoints out that Namibia does not have the economy for someone to become billionaire without proper schooling. Therefore, young people should try their best to either stay in school or seek opportunities to get to school. "Your chances to succeed are founded in education. If you do not have education you become one of many on the streets who do not know where they are going to. Strive to become one of very few instead," he urges asking the young people present at the fair why he should vote for them in the future if they are not capable of building the country.

"You cannot become someone without a university degree and skills. In fact if you don't go to university then you become a drain on the economy. Apply for college now," Dr Tjivikua urges while registering his shock at the overwhelming response that indicated that no-one in the audience has applied for college to date. The Ritja Career Fair was held to give guidance to young people and for them to be introduced to heads of industries.