From student at 14 to leading civil engineer at 19

In 2016, Brave Chibaka embarked on an extraordinary academic journey by enrolling at the University of Namibia's (Unam) José Eduardo Dos Santos campus at just 14 years old, aiming to pursue an honours degree in civil engineering. His early immersion into university life not only turned him into a standout student, but also set the stage for a career marked by remarkable achievements.

"It wasn't really a choice I intentionally made to pursue an the honours degree so early," Chibaka said. "I know I wouldn't have chosen to start school at the age of four, it all just unfolded that way."

He continued his schooling as normal and after grade 12, he applied to Unam.



Pivotal moments

Reflecting on his time at the institution, Chibaka recalled pivotal moments during his studies, including a challenging assessment in hydrology where he diverged from conventional solutions, showcasing his commitment to understanding over memorisation in engineering.

"The major difference I found about the academic environment was that it was structured in a very different way from the high school system. In high school, almost everything was spoon-fed to you. The major challenge was adjusting to a system which heavily relies on your effort."

His academic ability was matched by his integration into university life, where he found support and camaraderie among peers who treated him as an equal, despite his age.

He said the age gap was not a challenge for him as everyone welcomed him and received him as a peer.



It came naturally

Beyond academics, Unam provided Chibaka with a platform to hone his skills and passion for civil engineering. "Since a young age, I was fascinated with being able to find answers in any environment. This is why physics and math were my most beloved subjects. It was then obvious that I was well-suited to any engineering field, really, because of the physical elements at play," he said.

"Civil engineering became my choice due to it being the 'path of least resistance'. I knew it would come naturally to me and I would also have greater opportunities in that field," Chibaka added.

"My parents were supportive of me, and would have been equally supportive in any profession I picked."

His involvement in practical internships during his studies gave him first-hand experience in real-world applications, preparing him for the challenges of his professional career.

"I am someone driven by innovation. My career goal is mainly to further by integrating the common methods used in the industry. Implementing advanced computational solutions to civil engineering in a simplified manner where one doesn’t have to be a researcher to understand the systems."



Future plans

Since graduating, Chibaka has made significant strides in the field, currently serving as a highway design engineer at Pamodzi Consulting Limited in Malawi. His work encompasses pivotal roles in environmental assessments, traffic studies and infrastructure development projects across the capital city Lilongwe, exemplifying his commitment to transforming theoretical knowledge into tangible contributions to society.

Looking forward, this brilliant young man remains dedicated to advancing his expertise through further education, with plans to pursue a master's degree in civil engineering.

His journey from Unam's lecture halls to professional success stands as a beacon of inspiration, showcasing how determination, passion and early academic achievement can pave the way for extraordinary accomplishments in engineering - and beyond.