Namibia

31 December 2018

Nation Building Through Research and Innovation

“Research and innovation excellence remain one of the capstone drivers in the growth and development of any nation. We are already in the midst of Industry 4.0, also referred to as the 4th Industrial Revolution. As Industry 4.0 continues to change the way we interact with the world around us, new challenges arise…” Read more

 

31 October 2018

So Many Graduates, Yet Few Jobs

With the number of unemployed graduates projected to soar in the coming years, Namibian Employers’ Federation Secretary General Tim Parkhouse says Namibia skills mismatch is the single biggest cause for the high number of unemployed graduates. Read more

 

30 September 2018

Education Experts Discuss Transformation of Teacher Education

Teacher preparation should be based on the latest empirical evidence and not on how we were taught decades ago… Read more

Gigantic Partnership

Two of the country’s largest public institutions, UNAM and NBC signed an MOU this week that will strengthen cooperation between academia and the public. Read more

Oshakati Campus Stimulates Research Output

In an effort to upsurge research undertakings, the Northern campuses of UNAM held an intra-research seminar, targeting resident staff of Oshakati Campus, those at Hifikepunye Pohamba and Ogongo Campuses, respectively. Read more

Techcamp Declares War on Cybercrime

The Faculty of Computing and Informatics (FCI), with support from the U.S. Department of State Bureau of International Information Programme (IIP), and the U.S. Embassy in Namibia, hosted the first-ever TechCamp in Namibia under the theme “Cybersecurity for Everyone”. The event took place from 17 to 19 September in Windhoek. Read more

The Accidental Scientist

A new lecturer, specialising in Radiobiology and Nuclear Medicine at the University of Namibia, Dr Roswita Hamunyela, says she originally wanted to study Tourism. Read more

 

31 August 2018

Bridging the Experience Gap

The University of Namibia, under its Cooperative Education Unit, recently initiated a two-day workshop on Work Integrated Learning (WIL). Read more

Research Matters for Namibia

The University of Namibia cares about relevant research that effects the lives of ordinary Namibians, their health, wealth and the environment. Read more

 

30 June 2018

Nored Honours Students at Ogongo Campus Awards Ceremony

Each year, Ogongo Campus organises an Annual Awards Ceremony to celebrate the previous year’s academic achievements and most significantly to recognise and reward students for exceptional work done in their respective study programmes. Read more

 

31 May 2018

Conference of African studies inaugurated

The University of Namibia (Unam) in partnership with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) hosted the inaugural conference of the International Geographical Union (IGU) Commission on African Studies last week from May 17-18 at the Namibia Institute of Public Administration and Management. Read more

Budget cuts threaten tertiary education – Minister

The Namibian tertiary education sector faces a serious threat of termination of critical programmes and erosion of the quality of tertiary education, which may lead to a reduction in the new student intakes if the severe cuts in the national budget allocation continues in the next financial year. Read more

Healthnet Solutions Sponsorship

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today. An investment in knowledge pays the best interest”… Read more

 

30 April 2018

Mbumba Bids Farewell to Prof Hangula with a Standing Ovation

The chancellor of the University of Namibia (Unam) and Namibia’s vice-president, Nangolo Mbumba, has bid farewell to Professor Lazarus Hangula with a standing ovation at his last graduation ceremony as Unam vice-chancellor. Read more

Budget Cuts Threaten Tertiary Education – Minister

The Namibian tertiary education sector faces a serious threat of termination of critical programs and erosion of the quality of tertiary education, which may lead to a reduction in the new student intakes if the severe cuts in the national budget allocation continues in the next financial year. Read more

Namibia Lacks Maritime Educational Institutions

Namibia currently has no institution that provides dedicated education and training in maritime fields at bachelor or postgraduate degree level. Read more

Education is Our New Dawn Namibia

What exactly is education? Education can be defined as a process of acquiring knowledge. Education is a social process; education is growth; education is progressive; education is liberating; education is freedom, yes, a mind set free. Education is not a preparation for life; education is life itself (John Dewey). Read more

 

30 December 2017

Best Researchers of the Year Awarded

A lecturer in the Faculty of Engineering has once again been named the Institutional Established Researcher of the Year and as well as the Overall Established Researcher in his Faculty. Read more

Emerging Technologies in Library Services

The 2nd International Association of University Libraries’ (IATUL) Directors’ Summit was held in Windhoek recently. The event offers a platform for discussion on challenges university libraries are facing and for the overall development of library services. Read more

Hangula reflects on 24 years at UNAM

As the long-serving University of Namibia (UNAM) Vice Chancellor, Lazarus Hangula (LH), prepares for his exit, he is content that he has done his best to leave behind a strong

viable academic institution that also has the capacity to become a promising commercial entity that will, in the long run, help empower the university to augment its Treasury appropriated income. Read more

New NQA Council Appointed

The minister of higher education implored the council to take cognisance of and play a critical role in high-priority areas such as decision-making, which should be timeous in the best interests of the nation, and taken without fear or favour; resoluteness in the execution of fiduciary duties as individuals and as a collective; new human resources development; and maintaining an ethical corporate governance culture. Read more

NSFAF Plays Hide and Seek

The management of the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) failed to attend a parliamentary hearing, causing it to be postponed. Read more

Unam Loses Out On Foreign Partnerships

The University of Namibia (UNAM) had planned this year to introduce several courses in architecture and anaesthetics, but these (and other) programmes have since been put on hold due to budgetary constraints. Read more

 

30 October 2017

Govt Neglects NSFAF

The broke Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) this month requested around N$630 million from government to pay out student loans, but had only received N$43 million. Read more

IUM and the Pharmaceutical Society of Namibia (PSN) Sign a Memorandum of Agreement

IUM and the Pharmaceutical Society of Namibia (PSN) signed a Memorandum of Agreement to jointly offer a Certificate in Pharmacist’s Assistant. Read more

Maritime Studies at NUST

A partnership between the Namibian University of Science and Technology, the Satakuntta University of Applied Sciences and the Namibia Marine and Fisheries Institute will see the development of a degree programmer in Maritime studies at NUST. Read more

NUST SMSes Demand Students Pay Up

Government-funded students have been receiving SMSes from the Namibia University of Science and Technology, demanding they pay their outstanding fees before year-end exams start. Read more

Unam Students Must Pay 50% of Fees to Write

University of Namibia students with outstanding fees will be allowed to write their examinations on condition that 50%of their tuition fees are paid. Read more

What are soft skills?

Unlike hard skills, which can be proved and measured, soft skills are intangible and difficult to quantify. Read more

Why Fund Higher Education? Who Gets What, When And Why?

Why is society or, in bureaucratic-speak, ‘taxpayers’ money’ spent on an exercise that seems so expensive? Read more

Why Not Lighten The NSFAF Load?

Why are Government funds being paid to a middleman tertiary education funding institution (NSFAF) that then pays that same money to State owned universities?

 

15 October 2017

Eenhana Energises Vocational Training

The Eenhana Town Council has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Eenhana Vocational Training Centre (EVTC) to provide experiential, on-the-job learning to students studying at the centre. Read more

Important Soft Skills

When applying for a job, many people tend to emphasize their hard skills – the specific knowledge and abilities required for a particular job. Read more

Namwandi Challenges IUM Critics

The Founder of the International University of Management (IUM) and former Minister of Education, Arts and Culture, David Namwandi, says he is disappointed in critics who still think that the university is a sub-standard institution, despite all the progress it has made over the years. Read more

Teacher Vacancies Ready Soon

The education ministry has apologised for the delay in the posting of teaching vacancies but said the temporary inconvenience was necessary in order for the ministry to comply with government orders to trim unnecessary expenditure. Read more

“Training Teachers Is Vitally Important”

Education, the cornerstone of growth and development, needs vibrant, committed and well-trained teachers or it will never work.  Teachers with clear goals, plans, insights, passion and vision steer learners to success.  Read more

Unam Needs Bodies

The University of Stellenbosch will not supply the Unam School of Medicine with cadavers from next year and Namibian law makes no provision for people to donate their bodies to science. Read more

 

30 September 2017

Civil Engineering Degree Gains International Accreditation

The Bachelor of Engineering (Civil Engineering) Degree recently earned the globally recognised ASIIN accreditation. This degree programme has become the only one in Africa in its field to earn this recognition. Read more

Partners in Renewable Energy

The Namibia Energy Institute (NEI) held a meeting with Virginia Baker who serves as the Global and Sub-Saharan Director for Getenergy Events. Read more

Promoting Internationalisation In Higher Education

Scores of students attended the fifth International Education Day (IED) on the NUST campus, which was held to inform and educate students about the significance of gaining international exposure, and being a well-rounded global citizen. Read more

 

15 September 2017

Available Scholarships for Prospective Students

For most pupils, financial problems tend to crush or at least delay their dreams of going to their desired institutions of higher learning to pursue their tertiary education as they cannot afford the forever skyrocketing university tuition fees. Read more

Education Should Respond to Industrial Needs

Namibia can only enhance its basic and high-level education and develop a well-educated skilled and innovative labour force if its education responds to the industrial needs. Read more

International Accreditation for Architecture Programmes

The NUST Department of Architecture and Spatial Planning (DASP) has once again been granted unconditional validation status for its Bachelor of Architecture and Bachelor of Architecture Honours programmes. The said Department offers programmes in Architecture, Quantity Surveying, Town and Regional Planning, and Regional and Rural Development. Read more

Lack of Funds Delays Payments – NSFAF

The Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund says it is experiencing problems in the payment of student loans because of a shortage of funds. Read more

Making a Positive Impact on the Economy

More than 15 papers were presented at this year’s Faculty of Management Sciences Research Day. Whilst some of the papers focused on the economic activities of a number of countries, most of the research aimed at making a positive impact on the local economy. Read more

NUST Lecturer Selected To Conduct Research On Mercedes

A Computer Science Lecturer at NUST and alumnus of the Institution, has been selected by Daimler AG in Germany to undertake a PhD degree in Computer Science through the “Mission to Mars” project. Read more

NUST to Celebrate International Education Day

The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) is hosting its fifth International Education Day at its campus. Read more

NUST to Certify Oracle Professionals

The Namibia University of Science and Technology is now an authorised Oracle Workforce Development Partner. The Oracle Workforce Development Programme is an Oracle University programme. Read more

Welcome to the Land of the Brave

NUST is hosting international exchange students from the University of Applied Sciences and Art Dortmund, Germany and the Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, Finland. Read more

When a Degree Means Nothing

The days when colleges and universities were only accessible to the rich and elite are over. Higher education has become more affordable and a lot of pressure has been put on students to obtain a university qualification in order to find a good job. Read more

 

31 August 2017

Certification of NUST Lecturers Continues

The second group of 50 NUST lecturers has enrolled for the Institution’s Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (PGCHE) programme, aimed at advancing pedagogical skills and offering lecturers learning experiences of the highest quality. Read more

Education’s Impact on the Knowledge Economy

The Commonwealth Education Conference was held earlier this week in Windhoek. The event was hosted by the Commonwealth, the University of Namibia (Unam) and the National Council for Higher Education. Read more

Good Rank for Namibia in higher education

Namibia has been ranked among the countries with a high participation in higher education through open and distance learning (tertiary level entrants) on the African continent. Read more

How Schools Are Shaping Minds and Saving Lives in East and Southern Africa

Just as schools are foundational to preparing young people academically, they are also a crucial source in ensuring a student’s health and well-being. Read more

IUM Hosts World Entrepreneurs Day

The privately owned International University of Management (IUM) yesterday joined the rest of the world in commemorating World Entrepreneurs Day with hundreds of students in attendance at the university’s main campus in Dorado Park in Windhoek. Read more

Tech Stations to Accelerate SMME Growth and Drive Economic Development

The National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST), in collaboration with the Ministry of Industrialization, Trade and SME Development recently hosted representatives from various technology stations in South Africa to discuss how Namibia could benefit from the establishment of technology stations, science parks and innovation hubs to foster technology development, stimulate innovation, and drive economic development. Read more

 

15 August 2017

Bureaucracy Could Restrain Education Initiative

Stakeholders have expressed concern that bureaucracy could impede the smooth success of the Friends of Education in Namibia Special Initiative (FENSI), which will be centred and administered from Windhoek. Read more

Faculty of IT Designs MyIUM Learning Management System

A technical team of four lecturers and students from the Faculty of Information Technology and Systems Administration is in its final stage of implementing its own designed software, named MyIUM Learning Management System. Read more

IUM Launches PhD by Research Programme

A recent significant landmark in the history of IUM was the official launch of its Research based PhD programme. The programme was launched by Dr. David R. Namwandi, Founder and Chair of the IUM Governing Council. Read more

Let’s Train Plumbers, Electricians and Hairdressers

Higher Education, Training and Innovation Minister Dr Itah Kandjii-Murangi says Namibia would not be able to attain the development goals articulated in Vision 2030 if the country does not train artisans such as builders, auto mechanics, plumbers, electricians and hairdressers who are the people needed to grow the national economy. Read more

Strengthening Research at IUM

IUM recently revamped its Research Department with a revised Research and Consultancy Policy which will be launched soon. The policy provides, among others, details of the research strategy and how research will be managed at the University for the next five (5) years. Read more

 

15 July 2017

Architecture Students Make Their Mark in the City

Seventy (70) students from the Department of Architecture embarked on a one-week workshop known as the Vertical Studio Programme. The content of the Programme, which was introduced for the first time, goes beyond the scope of the core curriculum that students need to master. Read more

New MBA Students Welcomed

A cohort of 28 Master of Business Administration (MBA) students were inducted into the Harold Pupkewitz Graduate School of Business. Read more

NUST Facilities impresses UNESCO delegates

A delegation of about 30 participants of the recently held United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) workshop called the ‘Women on The Frontier of Science and Innovation in Africa,’ toured the NUST campus. Read more

Petroleum Upstream Seminar

Eighty (80) participants from the academia and industry attended a half-day Petroleum Upstream Seminar initiated by the Centre for Oil and Gas (COG). Read more

Share Best Practices

More than 14 papers were presented at this year’s Research Day for the Faculty of Computing and Informatics (FCI). The Faculty’s research areas are currently focussed on indigenous knowledge, big data, smart and secure environments and digital transformation. Read more

 

30 June 2017

Funds Shortage Forces Arts College to Cut Courses

More than 150 students from the College of the Arts in Windhoek marched to protest the suspension of four courses because of a lack of funds to pay lecturers. Read more

Our Demands Are Not Met – COTA Students

Disgruntled students at the Namibian College of the Arts (COTA) said the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture has not met their demands made in a petition submitted to the ministry. Read more

The Namibian’s Critical Thinking Competition 2017

The atmosphere was energetic and exciting at the recent Critical Thinking Competition hosted by The Namibian in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture and the Namibia Schools Debating Association (NSDA). And Rundu couldn’t have been prouder. Read more

Venaani Proposes Subsidised Transport for Students

DTA president McHenry Venaani on Tuesday proposed that there must be a subsidised transport programme for tertiary students. Read more

Zambezi Education Foundation Awards Best Achievers

The Zambezi Education Foundation – established last year with the main aim of improving the quality of education in the Zambezi Region – recently awarded certificates, medals and floating trophies to the region’s best achievers who excelled during the 2016 academic year. Read more

 

15 June 2017

COTA Suspends Courses over Budget Cuts

The Namibian College of the Arts (COTA) is about to can some of its courses, shut classrooms and send home more than 100 registered students in their first and second academic year. Read more

Campus as an Academic Space

When students at the University of Namibia staged their initial demonstration over the alleged delay in the opening of the cafeteria and the old entrance gate earlier this year, one of their notable demands was that the university provides enough study facilities. Read more

Funds Shortage Forces Arts College to Cut Courses

More than 150 students from the College of the Arts in Windhoek marched to protest the suspension of four courses because of a lack of funds to pay lecturers. Read more

NUST Well-Represented at Conference in USA

A cohort of 13 postgraduate students and staff from the Faculty of Computing and Informatics recently attended the Association for Computing Machinery Computer-Human Interaction (ACM CHI 2017) Conference, in the United States of America (USA). Read more

Promoting Multi-Disciplinary Skills Among Women

NUST’s Fabrication Laboratory (FABlab), launched a multi-disciplinary pilot student exchange programme in partnership with the Durban University of Science and Technology ( DUT). The project focuses on female students, with the objective to uplift women in fields that are commonly male-dominated. Read more

Transport and Logistic Society Explores Durban Waters

A group of 63 students from the Faculty of Management Sciences visited the Maritime School of Excellence (MSOE) in Durban, South Africa. Read more

 

15 May 2017

Education Officials Trained On Media Literacy

Representatives from four regions, being Hardap, Khomas, Omaheke and //Karas attended the workshop. The three-day workshop, which ended on Wednesday, was organised by Unesco, and aims at training senior teachers and librarians on the ability to meaningfully engage the media and information channels in whatever form and technologies they are using. Read more

Kalimbwe Released

UNAM’s SRC leader Joseph Kalimbwe appeared in the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court today and was granted N$1000 bail. Read more

Kavango East Want Colleges of Education Back

The Windhoek, Rundu, Ongwediva and Caprivi education colleges were merged with Unam when government phased out the basic education teaching diploma in 2012 and introduced a compulsory bachelor of education degree. Read more

Ministry of Higher Education, Training and Innovation

Minister of Education, please come to our rescue – we, the trainees of WVTC are tired of going to the centre every day for our Level 3 supplementary results. What is wrong with the NTA? Read more

Ministry of Higher Education, Training and Innovation

Minister of Higher Education, please come and investigate the staff at Gobabis Vocational Training Centre.  The offices are always empty and even the phones are never answered. They must rather stay at home if they don’t want to work so that other dedicated people can be employed. Read more

NDF Medical Students Stranded in Russia, Ukraine

Army officers studying medicine in Russia and the Ukraine are financially stranded because their allowances from government have not been paid since March this year. Read more

Student Risk Missing Exams Due to Loan Delay

Some students may not sit for examinations later this month because the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) has not paid or issued award letters. Read more

Unam Students Threaten to Break Into Cafeteria

UNAM had to call the Windhoek City Police on Saturday after some students threatened to break into a cafeteria and the old library to study. Read more

Unam Makes Empty Promises

Expelled Unam student leader Joseph Kalimbwe says the institution’s management has been giving them empty promises, and expelled four of them to silence them. Read more

 

30 April 2017

Benefits of Technology in Studying

With thousands of gadgets, applications and software surrounding us each and every day, it can be easy sometimes to lose yourself in the digital world. Although many often make known the negative effects of technology, there’s no doubt it enriches many lives and enlightens the ones who make positive use of it. Read more

Entrepreneurship Workshop for the Region

After the successful hosting of the student entrepreneurs programme (SEP) conference in Windhoek on 18 and 19 April, higher education deputy minister Becky Ndjoze-Ojo met governors from the 14 regions to discuss the entrepreneurship regional workshop penciled in for June. Read more

Geingob Engages NUST Graduates

President Hage Geingob yesterday stressed that for Namibia to develop, its citizens should become more innovative, technologically advanced and embrace science and research in a more applied manner. Read more

Geingob Encourages Graduates to become Leaders

All of you must become leaders and opinion makers at home, at work, nationally and internationally. Read more

Geingos Stresses Importance of Education

First Lady Monica Geingos has encouraged student entrepreneurs to distance themselves from corruption at the opening of the two-day Student Entrepreneurs Programme (SEP) organised by the Ministry of Higher Education, Training and Innovation at a resort in Windhoek. Read more

Ghanaian Entrepreneur Inspires Students

Business ideas can be found everywhere but they are meaningless if consumers do not accept them. Read more

 

15 March 2017

Business Not Contributing Enough to Research

The business sector is contributing a mere 11% to research and development in the country, a figure regarded as being very low. Read more

Ministry of Higher Education, Training and Innovation

The Minister of Higher Education, Training and Innovation, kindly come and visit the Windhoek Vocational Training Centre – when the school reopened. Read more

Re-Thinking Housing and Urbanisation

The second Public Forum on Namibia’s Urban Future was held recently with the aim to provide a cross-institutional platform to explore, analyse and debate urbanization in Namibia. The event, attended by housing and urbanisation experts, as well as the general public, was initiated in 2015 with NUST as the host institution. Read more

The Unending Labyrinth of Exam Failures

We cannot lower the bar or eliminate tests and lie to ourselves that we are actually improving the educational and skills levels of young Namibians. Read more

Vocational Education in Namibia

Vocational education refers to a system or course of study which prepares individuals for jobs that are based on manual or practical activities. Vocational education is non-academic by tradition, it is specifically trade, occupation or vocation oriented. Read more

Women’s Strength in Engineering

Women engineers are achieving and there is no denying it. They are around us, they are strong-willed individuals and their ingenuity keeps them going. They are special women doing prominent things to pave the way for others who want to follow suit. Read more

 

31 January 2017

IUM on Strategic Re-Alignment

As part of the International University of Management (IUM)’s growth strategy, the privately owned university plans to transform its Swakopmund campus into a Research, Consultancy and Short Course Centre of high repute and construct a regional academic campus in Walvis Bay, which has a larger student population and is better equipped to handle a greater number of students. Read more

Namcol Introduces Block Tuition

As part of its strategy to increase the pass-rate among its learners, the Namibia College of Open Learning (NamcoL) has introduced a block tuition system. Read more

Nanso Threatens Action over High Tuition Fees

The Namibian student organization, Nanso, says should the University of Namibia deny its members access to tertiary education due to high registration and tuition fees, they would not hesitate to act. Read more

NTA Collects N$800m in Training Levy

The Namibia Training Authority collected N$809 million from 2 703 employers at the end of 2016. Addressing the media in Windhoek yesterday, higher education minister, Itah Kandjii-Murangi said 50% of the levy is paid back to employers based on evidence that they had trained their employees. Read more

Orphans’ Opportunity to Apply For Scholarship

Japanese-based organisation, Ashinaga Africa Initiative 2017 and the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund are giving Namibian orphans the opportunity to apply for a scholarship. Read more

Repeaters Advised To Use Private Colleges

The permanent secretary of Education, Arts and Culture Sanet Steenkamp says Grade 10 and 12 repeaters that failed to secure space at Namcol can also make use of private learning institutions. Read more

Tertiary Institutions Urged To Comply With Admission Criteria

There is a general concern that some of the institutions of higher learning in the country are lowering their admission criteria, a situation seen by many as compromising the quality of education and ultimately undermining the requirements of the job market. Read more

Thousands to Miss Out on Namcol

The dreams of thousands of young people hoping to repeat Grade 12 this year will be dashed, because Namcol is unable to register all the people that failed to obtain the necessary grades for entry to tertiary institutions. Read more

Veya Opens Doors to NUST Interns

The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) has signed an agreement with Veya Information Technologies whereby the latter will accommodate students through a Work Integrated Learning (WIL) programme.

Vocational Education Graduate Establishes Thriving Firm

Ongwediva-Vocational education has birthed a Namibian company that currently employs 180 salaried workers. The firm called Water Engineering Africa has its headquarters in Ongwediva – however its areas of operation are not only confined to the north but spread throughout the country. Read more

VTCs Offer Much-Needed Skills

Simeon Haihambo, the Swapo Party Youth League (SPYL) secretary for education, pioneer movement and culture, is encouraging learners who could not secure places in Grade 11 and tertiary institutions to enrol at various vocational centres across the country. Read more

Whose Curriculum, and for Whom?

Our country is again thrust into the debate about what is wrong with our education system after the release of Grade 10 and Grade 12 examination results. Read more

 

15 November 2016

Distance Learning an Affordable Option

As technology has changed, so has the definition of distance learning, videotaped lectures or audio tapes have been used in tertiary education around the world for many years. Read more

Huge Recognition for NQA Boss

The head of the Namibia Qualifications Authority (NQA) Franz Gertze has been selected to serve on the board of directors of an international organisation with a 280-strong membership and which deals with the practice of quality assurance in higher education. Read more

Namibia Signs Agreement with Belarus

Namibia and Belarus have agreed to exchange information on technological, financial, educational, training and scientific capabilities. Read more

Technology Vital For Cultural Heritage

The Minister of Information and Technology, has appealed to government, academia, civil society partners and local communities to work together to ensure that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is applied to the cultural and creative sectors to contribute to more effective and sustainable development programmes in Namibia. Read more

University Not Only the Road to Education

Education comes in many forms, but here in Namibia we all still aspire to attending some form of tertiary education. The University of Namibia (Unam) and the Namibian University of Science and Technology (NUST) of course spring to mind. Read more

 

31 October 2016

China-Trained Clinical Medicine Students Return

The first eight medical students who completed their studies in clinical medicine in China with funding from the Namibia-China Loving Heart Organisation (NCLHO), have returned home to serve their country. Read more

Distance Learning Has Massive Potential

Open and distance learning (ODL) has the potential to contribute and positively impact the lives of many Namibians, as it grants learners access to quality education especially those in remote areas. Read more

Gain Work Experience with the CATS Programme

Imagine that after four long years, you have finally gotten your degree. Your course, however, has not allowed you any internship training and the job you’re looking for requires three years of experience in the job market. So what next? Read more

Higher Education Is ‘Not a Privilege’

The DTA has criticised the government and the University of Namibia following student protest that disrupted exams for two days. Read more

Just Pay Up, Minister Tells Students

It has become a habit for students not to pay. They wait until the last two weeks, and hope that we will allow them to write the exams. But the institution can only render quality education if they pay. Read more

Private University in the Pipeline

Plans to set up a private university through a joint venture next year in Windhoek are being kept under wraps, as negotiations with international universities are said to be underway. Read more

Unam Southern Campus Records Growth

The Unam Southern Campus is the university’s fastest-growing campus and is currently ranked 5th out of the 12 Unam campuses in terms of student enrolment. Read more

Student Leader Advises Fellows to Prepare Well

23-year-old student at the University of Namibia (Unam), Kun-Hilde Imvula, is advising fellow students to study hard in preparation for the final examinations. Read more

Student Nurses Demand Payment of Study Loans

Irate students from Oshakati Regional Health Training Centre say their unemployed and lowly paid parents are forced to borrow money to pay their tuition fees because their study loans have not been paid. Read more

Tertiary Fees Time Bomb Ticks

Since South African students took to the streets to demonstrate against university fees, there have been mixed feelings as far as the students’ action is concern. Read more

The State of Education in Namibia

It has been a whirlwind of a year for Namibia in terms of education. Thanks to the #FeesMustFall movement in South Africa, outrage was felt in the heart of Namibian students as they protested over fees in the #VarsityLockdown struggle earlier this year, in part leading to the teacher’s strike recently. Read more

 

30 September 2016

Best Uukule Learner Says Learning Is Simple and Easy

Although the road to knowledge may have obstacles, learning is simple and easy, says the best learner at Uukule Senior Secondary School in the Onyaanya Constituency of Oshikoto Region, Martha Amunyela. Read more

PM Calls for Courageous Graduates

The Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila has urged International University of Management students to remain courageous and strong, as they face the challenge of breaking into the job market, after graduating. Read more

Namibia Rises One Place in Competitiveness

Access to financing, followed by an inadequately educated workforce and inefficient government bureaucracy, are listed in the report as the most problematic factors for doing business in Namibia. Read more

NCHE Received an International Star Award for Quality

The National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) in Geneva, Switzerland, received an International Star Award for Quality in the Gold Category from the Spain-based Business Initiative Directions (BID) for Commitment to Quality, Leadership, Technology and Innovation in pursuit of excellence. Read more

Search for Stand-in Teachers is Illegal-Labour Expert Warns the Government

The government’s attempt to replace striking teachers is unlawful and could incite anger and violence, says labour expert. Read more

Students Shine at World skills

The overall winner of the WorldSkills Namibia competition might be going to study in South Korea at one of the technical colleges there, sponsored by the South Korean government, on an all-expenses paid basis for three years. Read more

You Have Until Today – Teachers Warn

Teachers in Khomas Region yesterday vented their anger over what they termed ‘delaying tactics’ by government regarding their wage demands, and have given their employer until today to finalise the strike rules. Read more

 

15 September 2016

242 Artisans Graduate from RVTC

The Rundu Vocational Training Centre on Friday awarded certificates to 242 graduates, who successfully completed their training in various technical trades, enabling them to become skilled workmen. Read more

Bogus Training Institutions to Face the Music

The Namibia Qualifications Authority (NQA) and the line ministry is in the process of amending one of its Acts which will make accreditation compulsory for institutions offering training courses and unrecognised qualifications to students. Read more

Engineer Refuses To Supervise Black Trainee

A registered engineer, told trainee engineer that he will not supervise her because she is black and the government wants to drive out whites from the country. Read more

Ministry Won’t Bail Out Unam Defaulters

The Ministry of Higher Education, Training and Innovation says it will not overrule the University of Namibia’s plan to bar students who owe money from writing exams. Read more

Monique Kröhne on The Road to Harvard

Finding the right university can be a difficult task, especially if the institution of your choice does not have the course you are looking for. Read more

Revised Education Act to be Tabled Soon

This comes after the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture reviewed the Education Act of 2001 to harmonise it with the latest developments and current needs of the education system. Read more

Tjivikua on NUST’s Role in Technical Education

University of Science and Technology (NUST) vice-chancellor, says there is a need to train instructors in technical education didactics for the effective transfer of skills. Read more

University of Namibia Opens Campus Expansion Contest

The University of Namibia (UNAM) has launched an open international competition to expand its Katima Mulilo campus. Read more

Will You Lose Your Job To A Robot?

The fields of arts and science may end up as the last bastions of human occupations, as new technologies render certain jobs obsolete. Read more

 

31 August 2016

NUST to Host Second Programming Contest

New ground was explored when the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST)’s Faculty of Computing and Informatics hosted an exciting two-day programming competition. Read more

Unam Students Learn About Road Safety

The National Road Safety Council (NRSC) and the University of Namibia (Unam) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a view to raising awareness about road safety among students and to benefit road safety institutions through the research support of tertiary institutions. Read more

Vocational Training Enjoys Emphasis

Central to the development agenda of developing countries is the strengthening and capacity building of technical and vocational education and training. Read more

 

31 July 2016

Lock the Board Chairmen Up

There were media reports of N$2 million that was ‘found’ to be missing from the Marine Resources Fund. Read more

More NUST Programmes Accredited

NUST received Certificates of Accreditation for eight programmes from the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) in consultation with the Namibia Qualifications Authority (NQA). Read more

Namibia Must Improve on Education and Training

In light of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and UNESCO delegations visiting the country, the Windhoek Observer’s recently had a one on one interview with the Head of Office and Representative of UNESCO to Namibia, to touch base on the mission’s findings. Read more

NCHE Lauded for Critical Development Role

The critical role played by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) in the country’s development was once again emphasised last week, when the quality assurance body awarded certificates of registration to six private higher education institutions in Windhoek. Read more

Training In White Meat Production

The love for white meat and the prevailing drought has pushed retired teacher Amon Uiseb to start a company with the hope of training Namibians in pig, chicken and aquaculture farming. Read more

 

15 July 2016

Govt Rescues Engineers

The government has directed three ministries to facilitate the placement of engineering graduates and students for internships which will be paid by the state. Read more

Marginalised Students Perform Poorly at Tertiary Level

The Deputy Minister of Marginalised Communities, has expressed concern over the poor performance of students from marginalised communities at tertiary institutions. Read more

Namport Opens Purse to Fund 25 Tertiary Students

Namibia, according to Vision 2030, will transition into an industrialised and globally competitive country offering equal opportunity and realising its maximum growth potential in a sustainable manner, with improved quality of life for all Namibians. Read more

 

30 June 2016

Kandjii-Murangi Tackles NSFAF Woes

The Ministry of Higher Education, Training and Innovation is set to meet with the management of the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) to discuss the reported infighting and power struggles at the institution. Read more

Loan Holders Left Stranded in Russia

About 50 Namibian students in Russia have been left stranded with no means of returning home after completing their studies, and face deportation to their home country. Read more

Namibia Higher Education Gets Reviewed

The country whose population is just above 2.2 million still has a vast shortage of skills needed to deal with poverty and inequalities largely because the education being offered does not prepare the graduates for real life situations. Read more

NSFAF Lost Data While Relocating

Higher education minister said the beleaguered Namibian Students’ Financial Assistance Fund could have lost data files while relocating to the new premises. Read more

NUST to Host Indian IT Centre

The Namibia University of Science and Technology will host the centre of excellence on information technology which will soon be set up by the Indian government. Read more

Unam Fires Deputy Dean

The University of Namibia has dismissed its deputy dean of students following a drawn-out suspension over alleged irregularities. Read more

 

15 June 2016

IUM and NCCI Talk to Tackle Skills Gaps

In attempt to fill the plug in the existing gaps in the labour market in order to produce demand-driven graduates, the International University of Management (IUM) and the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry met to explore ways in which the two institutions can collaborate. Read more

Notes from Educators’ Conference

The challenges facing our education system are real and daunting. But the experience was electric and inspiring. And the presentations and discussions were far-reaching. Read more

No Refunds for NSFAF Students

Beneficiaries of the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) have never received refunds. Read more

NSFAF Bosses Hit the Jackpot

The Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) board members who were appointed in January last year have been claiming sitting fees like never before. Read more

NUST Opens Online Radio Station

The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) recently opened its online radio station, NUST FM, to serve as a source of information and entertainment for its students and host communities. Read more

 

15 May 2016

Govt to Assist Graduates Get Jobs

Prime Minister has expressed government’s commitment to ensure graduates in the country are absorbed into the labour market. Read more

Government to Help 3 000 Under-Qualified Teachers

The Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture has introduced measures to help elevate unqualified and underqualified teachers currently on its books to start with tailor-made in-service training to help them upgrade their credentials. Read more

HP Unam Campus ‘Now Safe For Students’

The University of Namibia’s Hifikepunye Pohamba campus in Ongwediva, which was one of the focal areas of concern for operation, is now considered safe. Read more

NSFAF in Deeper Trouble

An independent auditing firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers, says the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund failed to provide documents to verify the loans and scholarships they issued. Read more

NSFAF Explains Changes to Payments System

The Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund has a new payment system because the old system gave problems. Read more

NUST Makes Progress with Student Debt

Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) says no student whose accounts are in arrears by end of June will be allowed to write examinations. Read more

Unam to Introduce School of Architecture

The University of Namibia (Unam) is in the process of setting up a School of Architecture. Read more

 

30 April 2016

Conservation Research Station Opened at Impalila

The University of Namibia (Unam) Katima Mulilo campus on Monday launched a biodiversity conservation and tourism development research project station at the Impalila Island. Read more

Fewer Graduate from Unam at Katima

Katima Mulilo Unam Campus registered its lowest number of graduates in recent years, as only 45 students – both in upper and lower primary degree courses. Read more

Higher Education to be Reviewed

Higher education minister said they are reviewing the technical, vocational and training components of the higher education system in Namibia. Read more

NSFAF Cannot Account for Billions

The latest Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund audit report shows that the institution failed to account for more than N$2,7 billion between 2009 and 2010. Read more

Nam Student Designs Reusable Menstrual Cup

It is estimated that some girls in Africa miss up to 10% of their education due to menstruation because they don’t have access to the right items to make them feel clean and comfortable. Read more

NUST to Help Solve Water and Sanitation Problems

The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Seecon International GMBH. Read more

Unam Gets Land to Expand Katima Campus

The Katima Mulilo Town Council has donated land to the University of Namibia for the institution to expand its campus. Read more

Unam Produces First−Ever Medical Doctors

The graduation of the first locally trained doctors is a declaration to the world that Namibia is slowly but surely moving away from being dependent on other countries’ expertise. Read more

 

15 April 2016

136 Namibians Pursue Vocational Training in SADC

Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) has finally made it possible for students who did not obtain university admission grades in Grade 12 and those with Grade 10 to receive technical and vocational fields in other SADC countries. Read more

A Job or University?

In most cases, the consequences of our decisions are unpredictable if we do not evaluate and analyse the results of our decisions in the long term. Read more

NUST First Graduation Later This Month

The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) will soon have its first graduation ceremony where over 1 000 students will graduate with qualifications from various faculties. Read more

NUST to Recover Student Debts

Following a students’ victory in January against the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) over registration and tuition fees this year that saw student registering for free, NUST has now started debt recovery from students with the end of April as deadline. Read more

Questionable Bursary Funding

Namibians are largely involved in self-enriching scandals and the awarding of educational loans this year was biased. Read more

Unam Downplays Library Flood Damage

The University of Namibia (Unam) has dismissed reports that a water leakage in the library at its main campus caused considerable damage to books and computers. Read more

 

1 April 2016

Amukoto Advises Fellows to Take Education Serious

One of the smartest students at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), is advising all young people to pay more attention to their studies as education is the key to success. Read more

Aspiring Medical Student Appeals for Funding

The future of a young Namibian man looks bleak as he struggles to raise funds for his studies at a medical school in Russia. Read more

Logistics Research Seminar Series Launched

The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) based Namibian-German Centre for Logistics (NGCL) launched a research seminar series this week as part of its drive to join global university rankings. Read more

 

15 March 2016

NUST on Autopilot

The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) has been without a council for more than four months, thereby making vice chancellor very powerful. Read more

Youth Seek Prime Minister’s Help

SIX Namibian graduates from a Cuban university yesterday told Prime Minister that they cannot find jobs. Read more

 

29 February 2016

Haufiku on Issues confronting UNAM

The University of Namibia (Unam), the largest public tertiary institution in Namibia, has of late been involved in various issues ranging from student protests, appointments of locals into leadership jobs, as well as axing some of its senior officials for alleged tender fraud. Read more

Out of Protocol – Fees Must Fall

NAMIBIAN academic institutions and our higher education establishment would do well to learn the lessons of the ‘Fees Must Fall’ protests in South Africa. Read more

 

15 February 2016

IUM Launch Centre for Institutional Improvement and Performance

A new Centre for Institutional Improvement and Performacne (CIIP) has opened at the International University of Management (IUM) to meet the growing demand for quality executive and professional training locally. Read more

Nampower Awards 21 Bursaries

As a responsible corporate citizen NamPower contributes immensely to the education of young Namibians. The allocation of new bursaries annually forms part of NamPower’s contribution and commitment to the education sector. Read more

Southern Campus Ready for First Graduates

Six students will this year become the first graduates of Unam Southern campus since its inception in 2014. Read more

Unam Warns Students

The University of Namibia’s vice chancellor, has threatened to expel any student who dares to undemocratically lock down the campus. Read more

 

January 2016

Govt Clarifies Tertiary Education Fees

Higher Education Minister has clarified that tertiary education in Namibia is not yet free, despite the decision last week to allow university students to register without having to pay a fee. Read more

Grade 12 Results Show 10% Drop in University Admissions

It also shows that the performance, if measured against Namibia’s Fourth National Development Plan (NDP4) desired outcome number two which aims for the increase in the percentage of learners meeting admission requirements to universities on 25 points. Read more

Major Boost for Fablab from USA

The sponsorship, which consists of two commercial licenses and ten educational licenses of a software programme known as SolidWorks, was facilitated by Alex Zavatone who had taught an IOS development course at NUST during late last year. Read more

New Year Ushers in New Higher Education Funding Formula

Namibian higher education funding will be based on a new formula from the 2016-17 academic year. The country now calculates operational funds based on the number of courses, which translate into credit units, for which a student is registered. Read more

No Reprieve for Failed English Students

Learners with an E Symbol in Grade 12 English should not be denied an opportunity to further their studies at tertiary institutions, Education, Arts and Culture Ministry Permanent Secretary Sanet Steenkamp has said. Read more

NUST Students Still Have To Pay

Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) Vice Chancellor Professor Tjama Tjivikua yesterday said the university’s registration fees of N$3 500 have not been scrapped, as widely believed, and must be settled before students sit for exams in June. Read more

UNAM Directed To Register Students Unable To Pay

The Minister of Higher Education, Training and Innovation has directed the University of Namibia (Unam) to allow students to register for the 2016 academic year without having paid a registration fee, specifically those unable afford it. Read more

Students Demo Hits Unam Northern Campus

Operations at the Hifikepunye Pohamba Unam Campus at Ongwediva ground to a halt when students demonstrated against paying registration fees. Read more

 

December 2015

No University Fee Increase

The Ministry of Higher Education, Training and Innovation has said that it is unaware of proposals to increase tuition fees at the country’s two biggest universities, the University of Namibia (UNAM) and the newly-renamed University of Science and Technology (UST) previously known as the Polytechnic of Namibia, next year.  Read more

NTA, GIZ Set to Address Skills Shortage

In the hope of addressing the skills shortage in the country, the Namibia Training Authority and the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ) signed a Promotion of Vocational Education and Training (ProVET) agreement. Read more

Teachers need better training in vernaculars

The Secretary-General of the Namibia National Teachers’ Union (Nantu) says the education ministry should equip teachers who teach first languages with the right resources. Read more

UNAM Increases Fees

Hot on the heels of violent protests in neighbouring South Africa over university fee hikes, the University of Namibia has announced that come registration 2016, their fees will increase by 7,5%. Read more

 

November 2015

Geingob orders PM to Sort out Polytechnic The President has instructed Prime Minister to sort out the problems afflicting the leadership of the Polytechnic of Namibia Council. Read more

International Relations Strengthened at NUST Delegations from Germany’s Justus Liebig University (JLU) and South Africa’s North West University (NWU) visited NUST recently to strengthen relations between the three institutions. Read more

NUST Council Booted Out Minister of Higher Education, Training and Innovation has informed members of The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) Council that their term of office will come to an end this month. Read more

Students Should Study and Struggle The vision of that global institution for the African continent is rather a network of privately-owned community colleges instead of universities. Read more

 

 

September 2015

Graduating from University with Debt For the majority of tertiary students, the loans they take through the Namibia Student Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) [and other private loans] actually provide them opportunities which they otherwise would not have to afford their education. Read more