1st Edition 2007 - University of Namibia

President Hifikepunye Pohamba has expressed appreciation at the
envisaged Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, the
University of Namibia is striving to establish. He declared government’s
support for this initiative, saying the faculty would contribute enormously to
the creation of a skilled human resource base as outlined in Vision 2030.
Speaking at the University’s 15 th graduation ceremony, President Pohamba noted with delight what he termed
as UNAM’s responsiveness to the country’s development needs. He highlighted among others the Postgraduate
Diploma in Arbitration and Conciliation, the Diploma in Local Government Studies and the Legal Professional Training
Course as testimony to this.
The Head of State further expressed appreciation at increased interaction between the University and his government,
singling out collaboration between the National Planning Commission, UNFPA and UNAM in particular. Under this
programme, UNAM students will be attached to Government Offi ces/Ministries and Agencies to work in the areas
of statistics, population, economics, and information technology with specifi c focus on population and development
issues as interns. The project links students to relevant institutions in order to give them practical experience.
Echoing his remarks, UNAM Chancellor Dr. Sam Nujoma said the University’s linkages with foreign institutions were
designed to strengthen the capacity building of its faculties. He told the gathering that promising Namibians are being
approached to go on staff development fellowships, in efforts to secure future lecturers for the university.
Refl ecting on the achievements and challenges the University had over 15 years of its existence, Dr. Nujoma noted
that the institution was going through a vigorous academic audit of all its academic programmes. The process he said
was aimed at developing curricula that are “refl ective of the socio-economic developments needs”. The Chancellor
noted with pride that the University was instrumental in creating an academic culture in Namibia. He added that the
university continues to nurture this culture through the establishment of taught postgraduate courses.
Turning to the graduates, the Founding Father of Namibia called on the graduates to consider community and public
service. “Contributing to community or public service at any level carries its own challenges and sacrifi ces, but we
need capable men and women to make that choice. When such a calling comes your way, I hope you will rise to the
opportunity with pride, he urged the graduates.”
The Chancellor conferred 1 159 certifi cates, degrees, Masters Degrees and a Ph.D degree at this year’s
graduation ceremony.
UNAM Forum 4