Engineering students who work full-time rarely have the chance to share their academic journey. Nicko Maloboka, from Namibia, reflects on how studying with the EIT transformed his career, empowering him to chase a long-held dream and earn a global qualification.
Balancing Circuits and Coursework: A Story Worth Telling
For many working professionals in engineering, education is often a dream deferred; pushed aside by demanding schedules, family responsibilities, and limited access to relevant postgraduate programs.
Even when students manage to study, few get the opportunity to share their stories of grit, growth, and transformation.
Nicko Maloboka, a Control and Instrumentation (C&I) Technician at the Swakop Uranium Husab Mine in Namibia, is changing that narrative.
A recent graduate of the Master of Engineering (Industrial Automation) at the Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT), Nicko is proud to be one of the few working engineers able to share not just his success—but the journey that got him there.
“It was a pleasant surprise to be invited to share my EIT journey,” Nicko says. “It made me feel seen. I knew someone had noticed my hard work.”
And his story is well worth telling. From initial funding hurdles to self-funding his studies, from late-night lectures to mastering automation systems – all while maintaining a full-time role – Nicko’s experience highlights the resilience and ambition of many EIT students.
A Dream Ignited: Turning Interest into Impact
With an undergraduate qualification in electronic engineering and registration with the Engineering Council of Namibia as a Technician (Electrical), Nicko had always aspired to specialize in control and instrumentation. But the path forward was not immediately clear.
“Over the years, it was a dream of mine to pursue a C&I-related course,” he says. “At first, I couldn’t study further due to other challenges.”
That changed in 2019 when he joined Swakop Uranium. He discovered EIT years ago when he wanted to venture into C&I. A spark was indeed lit with the self-study policy at Swakop Uranium. While the policy only funded one quarter of the program, it was enough to get him started, and from there, he never looked back.
“My first study units, Industrial Control Systems and Industrial Instrumentation, were so captivating that I decided not to abandon my studies. I chose to self-fund the rest of the program.”
EIT’s unique online learning model made it possible for Nicko to integrate education into his life without sacrificing his career. With live tutorials and access to recorded sessions EIT’s digital classroom offered him the flexibility he needed to succeed.
“Recorded sessions were key. When I couldn’t attend live tutorials, I accessed the recordings. The structure allowed me to learn on my schedule.”
The Tools That Made It Work: Learning, Adapting, Advancing
While Nicko’s determination drove his progress, he also credits the tools, support systems, and collaborative culture of EIT with making the journey sustainable.
His study strategy was rigorous: attend or watch tutorials, read prescribed materials, engage with lecturers, and supplement with platforms like YouTube for coding practice in Python and R.
“At master’s level, the format of the questions challenged me. They were based on scenarios and case studies, which made me think critically about instrumentation choices and process design.”
EIT’s Learning Support Officers and lecturers were quick to respond, and his fellow students helped foster a sense of community despite the digital format.
“The support was always there, and the collaboration with other students was superb. It never felt like I was studying alone.”
This balance of independence and support is a defining strength of EIT. For working professionals like Nicko, it enables not just access to education but a practical, immersive learning experience that enhances both knowledge and confidence in real-time.
A Global Credential, A Local Impact
On 8 April 2025, Nicko officially completed his Master’s qualification. The graduation date may still be pending, but the professional impact of his degree is already unfolding.
Armed with an internationally recognized credential, recognized under the Washington Accord, he now holds a qualification that unlocks opportunities far beyond Namibia’s borders.
“I’m incredibly proud to have achieved this qualification,” he says. “It’s global, and opens doors in many countries. I look forward to continuing my studies with EIT.”
For Nicko, the journey was not just about upgrading skills; it was about fulfilling a promise to himself, deepening his impact at work, and expanding his career potential in a field that’s shaping the future of automation and industrial innovation.
His role at Swakop Uranium already spans critical responsibilities: maintaining and upgrading process control networks, integrating instruments into SCADA systems, and ensuring that one of Namibia’s most vital industrial operations runs efficiently.
Now, with an EIT Master’s behind him, his capacity to lead and innovate within these systems has grown significantly.
Final Thoughts: More Voices, More Visibility
Nicko Maloboka’s story reflects the experience of many EIT students: professionals who commit to advancing their education not in a vacuum, but amid the daily demands of their careers. It’s a path that requires discipline, support, and a learning model built for real life.
His message is clear: working engineers deserve to have their stories told. Their growth, whether academic and personal, is as worthy of celebration as any graduation ceremony.
“Sharing my story means showing others that it’s possible,” Nicko says. “You can work. You can study. And with the right support, you can succeed.”
