About 600 learners from the Khomas, Hardap and Otjozondjupa regions, gathered at the NUST campus for the two-day event.

The aim of the Brain Match is to sensitise learners about careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). In the final lap, St George’s Diocesan High School, Delta Secondary School, Hage Geingob High School and Windhoek International went head-to-head being quizzed on questions that ranged from general knowledge of Namibia to chemistry, mathematics, physics and renewable energy.

The first runner-up was Windhoek International School, followed by Delta Secondary School and Hage Geingob High School, respectively. In the last two years, the accolades went to St George’s Diocesan School.

During the closing ceremony, Dr Tjama Tjivikua, the NUST Vice-Chancellor, encouraged the learners to stay focused and to strive continuously to be come better in the STEM subjects. He further thanked all the schools and learners for their participation in the match, emphasising that even though there could be only one winner, they all deserved recognition for their hard work.

The Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Dr Samuel John, commended the inclusion of questions focused on renewable energy in the competition. He said renewable energy is becoming a hot topic, specifically in Namibia where renewable energy resources are in abundance.

Prof Victor Kamara, Associate Dean: Teaching and Learning, in the Faculty of Engineering, encouraged learners to consider pursuing careers in STEM-related fields, with a particular focus on NUST being their university of choice.

The competition is open to both public and private schools and the organisers envisage that this will become a national event in the near future.