The country’s anti-graft agency has called for an immediate forensic investigation into a raft of corruption, nepotism and abuse of power allegations facing the Namibia University of Science and Technology’s vice chancellor Erold Naomab.
This follows a series of New Era reports into issues surrounding the university and its head honcho.
Anti-Corruption Commission director Paulus Noa confirmed his instructions to Nust council chairperson Florette Nakusera yesterday.
“I am not sure if it’s the same document that you have, however, last week I instructed the Nust council chairperson to conduct a forensic investigation into the allegations…if they have not done that already. I am still waiting for the feedback from them (council),” he told this publication.
In his missive, seen by this paper, Noa raises alarm over the veracity of the allegations, if they are true.
“The allegations focus on misuse of
public funds, nepotism or tribalism, and abuse of power. Copies of such allegations
are hereto attached. These are serious allegations of administrative corruption against the management of the public institution of the academy which should
not be taken lightly,” Noa addressed the council. Although the allegations might already have been brought to her (Nakusera) knowledge, he said the matter is brought
upon the council to urgently consider contracting a competent forensic body to investigate such allegations.
“It could be that council had already conducted an investigation into the allegations, if that is the case, kindly furnish ACC with a copy of the outcome of the investigation,” Noa requested.
He further requested Nakusera to give feedback on or before 30 June 2023, regarding the course of action the council intends to take or has already taken.
Since assuming leadership at the university, Naomab has been consumed with resolving one crisis after another.
New Era previously reported that the university is facing allegations that a complete disregard for laws and policies has become the norm.
He is accused of disregarding the provisions of the Labour Act, Nust’s human resource code, and principles of good governance.
As outlined by Petrus Nevonga, the general secretary of the Namibia Public Workers Union in a letter to Nakusera, the allegations also revolve around disregarding the restructuring process of the university.
Nevonga was quoted as telling Nakusera, “This process was conducted in secrecy without any stakeholder engagement to date. The HR department has failed to respond to staff enquiries regarding the changes. Disturbingly, some of the proposed role changes have already been implemented. These changes in employment conditions have caused significant discomfort and unhappiness among the staff.”
New Era also reported that Nust management was also accused of delaying a job grading process that dates back to 2019 and failing to provide compensation to employees for performing new duties.
Additionally, concerns were raised about the misuse of the fixed-term contract system, resulting in administrative staff being exploited with short contracts that are repeatedly renewed for up to four years without offering permanent employment.
The union urged the Ministry of Higher Education and the council to take action and fulfil their fiduciary duties in response to these allegations.
Moreover, Naomab is facing several serious allegations, including interfering with the institution’s recruitment process and using his position to unfairly promote friends and applicants based on tribal affiliations.
Furthermore, Naomab is accused of misusing Nust credit cards and travel allowances, as well as failing to provide receipts for expenses.
In recent years, the university has been unable to produce audited financial statements or annual reports.
At present, the Nust management has declared itself free of any wrongdoing.
Attempts to get a comment from Nakusera proved futile as her phone rang unanswered.