The Power of Second Chances: Simon Amunime Becomes Eenhana’s First Public Governance Graduate
In the quiet town of Eenhana, where big dreams often meet harsh realities, Simon Amunime has carved his name into NUST’s history books. On 15 May 2025, he became the first student to graduate with an Honours degree in Public Governance from the Eenhana Campus — a moment that means far more than just a qualification.
A Detour with Purpose
Simon’s road to this milestone was anything but smooth. In 2022, when he first applied to the programme, he was rejected. “My undergraduate qualifications were in a technical field, so I did not qualify,” he recalled. But he did not let that stop him.
Instead, Simon pivoted to a Business Management Honours programme — his second choice — using it as a springboard to sharpen his organisational and leadership skills. He described the experience not as a detour, but as a crucial foundation. “It not only enriched my understanding, but also fortified my determination to return to my true passion.”
In 2024, he reapplied to Public Governance — and this time, he got in.
What followed was a period of intense learning, rigorous debate, and growing conviction. “Throughout my academic journey, I have had the privilege of learning from dedicated lecturers, engaging in thought-provoking discussions, and collaborating with inspiring peers who share the same commitment to making a difference,” he said.
Born to Serve
Simon currently serves as the Faculty Officer at the NUST Eenhana Campus. But his passion for governance did not begin there. He served as a youth representative and student leader long before he stepped into a lecture hall or administration office. Those early experiences planted the seed, and now, with a formal qualification in hand, he is ready to do more. “I firmly believe that effective governance is essential for societal progress.”
As NUST celebrates its 10th anniversary, Simon sees his graduation as a signal of what is possible. “I am excited to apply my knowledge and experiences to make a positive impact in public governance. I encourage all of you to embrace challenges as stepping stones rather than obstacles. Remember that setbacks can lead to new opportunities and growth.”
Lifelong Pursuit
Dr Lukas Shikulo, Head of the Eenhana Campus, reflected on the broader meaning of Simon’s achievement. “As they say, ‘education is a lifelong pursuit’. Our staff lead by example to demonstrate the possibility of multi-tasking and lifelong learning. While serving and contributing meaningfully to the growth of the campus in terms of quality service delivery, they embrace opportunities to reskill, upskill, and grow professionally.”
