No War Between Poly And Unam

I WOULD like to reply to the letter that was posted in the Namibian newspaper on June 06, 2010.

I understand that most people do perceive what is happening between the Polytechnic of Namibia and Unam as a war. Fellow citizens, there is no war that is taking place between these two institutions; we are the ones who are initiating this war, we are focusing on one side, which is the Polytechnic of Namibia, by saying that things should stay as they are.I personally think that it is time for the Polytechnic of Namibia to take a step forward and get a new identity because what they are doing does not complement their name. Polytechnic of Namibia deserves to be a University of Science and Technology, students have the right to stand up and go on a peaceful demonstration because they are tired of not getting response from our government. You cannot tell me today that I must just accept who I am, while I know that I can do something to make a change in my life.The Polytechnic of Namibia has all the right to market their institution by analysing the external environment and taking advantages of all that is happening. For the Polytechnic of Namibia to use the Old Mutual survey is not an offence, they are just marketing the institution for the attraction of students. To me it’s a brilliant idea due to the fact that they are trying to prove wrong statements from some people who say that the Polytechnic of Namibia is offering degrees of low priority and these statements have a bad effect on the institution. Why don’t Unam also do the same? They have the right to do so and I do not personally see any barrier that stops them from doing so. Keep in mind that there is competition between these institutions, and somebody cannot tell me that competition should be put aside. Most of the learners in rural areas only know about Unam so tell me when will they know that the Polytechnic of Namibia exists? Unam and the Polytechnic of Namibia are competitors, competing for students and therefore they must persuade people about what they have to offer.People there is no war between these two institutions – it is just business. Let all unite and change Namibia educationally, because education is the key to success. Without education we are useless. And one cannot tell me today that English is of low priority because we use English as an official language in Namibia. Let us promote innovation, creativeness, and entrepreneurial development. Let Unam and the Polytechnic of Namibia lobby students because they all deliver the same service which is education.If the need for us to have two universities is there, let’s work together to attain the demands of the market and have the second university established.Given Challo Via e-mailNote: This letter has been shortened – Ed