THE possible relocation of the Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust) Rietfontein campus to Otjiwarongo has caused confusion among different stakeholders.
The Otjiwarongo municipality put out a notice on 18 June asking local property owners to express interest in providing student accommodation for Nust students from the 2026 academic year.
“Based on the above, the Municipality of Otjiwarongo in collaboration with Nust hereby request property owners in Otjiwarongo to submit their interest to accommodate +/- 200 Nust students as from February 2026,” reads the notice.
According to the notice, the assessment and evaluation of the accommodation facilities will be conducted by Nust in accordance with its existing student accommodation policies and needs.
The closing date for expression of interest was on 27 June.
“It is still in the pipeline,” says Otjiwarongo municipality spokesperson Adelheid Shilongo of the relocation.
Namibia National Students Organisation president Dorothea Nangolo says there must be proper and affordable accommodation if students are to move to another town.
“In addition to that, the university must ensure that accommodation is within the grounds of the new campus so that we don’t have students who are moving or needing transport,” she adds.
Nangolo says the student organisation would have preferred that decisions like this are communicated at least a year or two in advance so that students can prepare financially and mentally.
She says they are engaging the student representative council and management to find alternatives and support for the students.
However, Nust spokesperson Cindy-Lee van Wyk says no decision has been made to relocate the Rietfontein campus to another town.
“The university remains committed to open consultation and transparency,” she says, adding that any changes to the campus will be communicated if and when such decisions are made.
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