THE Polytechnic officially became Namibia University of Science and Technology effective from 16 November 2016.
This was announced by the institution’s vice-chancellor Tjama Tjivikua in Windhoek on Thursday.
Speaking at a media conference, Tjivikua highlighted the main reason for the change of the institution from a polytechnic to a university.
He said the British already did a way with the polytechnics followed by Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
According to Tjivikua, the former polytechnic had requested the then ministry of education to rename it to Nust, a proposal that was approved by Cabinet in December 2012.
“On 14 September 2015, a Nust Act was gazetted,” he said, adding that the commencement of Nust was on 16 November 2015.
Tjivikua further said that under Nust, the rector of polytechnic becomes vice chancellor, and the vice rector becomes the deputy vice chancellor.
“Under Nust, schools are now faculties and directors are professors,” he said.
Students who studied through the polytechnic and are yet to graduate as from next year will get their qualifications under Nust, according to Tjivikua.
He said they have to get a university chancellor before the re-branding launch, which will take place in February next year.
The re-branding and brand-launch will cost N$25 million, saw Tjivikua. Nust has requested the money from the government, which is yet to be approved.
Tjivikua also expressed gratitude to the Namibian people as well as the government for supporting them to change to Nust.
“I would like to express profound gratitude to the Namibian people, the government, civil society and the private sector for being so supportive of our project.
“Every employee of the polytechnic will remain an employee of Nust,” he said.
