Naomab installed as Nust boss

EROLD Naomab, who was appointed the vice-chancellor of the Namibia University of Science and Technology through a controversial decision last year, was officially installed into the position this week.

He takes over from long-serving former vice-chancellor Tjama Tjivikua, who had stepped down after 23 years of service to the university.

Naomab in his inaugural speech said Nust will focus on ensuring that access to higher education is not a privilege but a right.

“Hence students from disadvantaged backgrounds will have access to education and this will help change the state of poverty in their communities,” he added.

He however remarked: “We must strike the necessary balance to offer quality education and maintain broad access to Nust’s programme and qualities”.

Naomab noted that Nust is a reputable brand, with clear student-centered focus, however he said there is growing demand in the higher education sector for higher standards and quality of service.

“We are aware of growing public discontent with regard to below par academic excellence, innate staff members who appear frustrated and demoralised, slow pace of transformation, students demanding better returns and higher value for their investment, students expect that we honestly, objectively and with integrity give them what we promise in our prospectuses and curricula,” he said.

The new Nust vice-chancellor said one of his key goals during his tenure is to promote financial stability, adding it is common cause that the unit cost of offering learning is rising, institutional debts is rising and threatening the very sustainability of the institution.

He noted that although it is indisputable that Nust cannot function without government subsidies, it is of paramount importance that the institution, on its part, also scales up its efforts to diversify income streams.

“For the first time, I am convinced that we will venture into business-to-business relations by translating our capabilities into commercially compelling new offerings,” he added.

Naomab was appointed on 12 November 2020 despite coming second to University of Namibia pro-vice chancellor for academic affairs Professor Frednard Gideon, who was recommended by the committee that oversaw the interview process.

However, the Nust council chose Naomab instead and was accused of disregarding its own rules with the appointment. Gideon lodged legal challenge against the appointment through an urgent court application, but the High Court had ruled in favour of the council.

Nust Council chairperson Florette Nakusera at Naomab’s robing ceremony yesterday stressed the appointment was made after a rigorous, extensive and transparent selection process as per the University Act and Statutes.

She said the university community has absolute confidence in Namoab’s leadership and his sound understanding of the changing higher education landscape in Namibia and globally.

“The Nust Council is confident that in Dr Naomab, we have found a suitable and capable vice-chancellor who will provide academic, strategic and transformational leadership and vision for the university,” she added.

She said during the recruitment process, Naomab had demonstrated the required senior executive leadership experience in higher education and an understanding of the operations and affairs of a university environment.

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