Gideon, Peters shortlisted for Nust top job

Two senior academics have been shortlisted for the position of vice chancellor of the Namibia University of Science and Technology as the institution moves to fill its long-vacant top leadership post.

The shortlisted candidates are University of Namibia (Unam) pro-vice chancellor for academic affairs, Frednard Gideon, and National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST) chief executive Anicia Peters.

The vacancy follows an extended period in which Nust has operated without a substantive vice chancellor, relying on acting leadership since October last year.

According to sources familiar with the process, several candidates applied for the position, including former Nust vice chancellor Erold Naomab.

However, he was not shortlisted for interviews.

Naomab previously served as vice chancellor from 2021 until late last year, before being suspended on allegations of misconduct.

Nust has remained under acting leadership since his departure, with long-serving academic Andrew Niikondo currently serving in an acting capacity.

Sources said Niikondo did not apply for the post as he is expected to retire next year upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 65.

“A number of people have applied, including Naomab, but those who have been shortlisted are Gideon and Anicia Peters. Niikondo is currently acting in that position, but did not apply as he is retiring next year,” a source says.

Nust Council chairperson Leake Hangala yesterday declined to comment on the shortlist.

When contacted, he said: “Why should I tell The Namibian?”

Both shortlisted candidates were contacted for comment yesterday. Gideon said he was in a meeting and could not respond, while Peters was not reachable.

The leadership contest also revives attention on past legal disputes involving one of the candidates.

In 2021, Gideon took the Joint Search Committee of the Nust council and Senate (JSCCS) to the High Court after it recommended the appointment of Naomab as vice chancellor, despite Gideon reportedly having ranked first in the interview process.

At the time, the Nust council is understood to have argued that Naomab was the preferred candidate for the position.

In 2022, the Windhoek High Court dismissed Gideon’s application to set aside Naomab’s appointment, effectively upholding the council’s decision.

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