International University of Management governing council member Epaphras Ndenga Ndaitwah yesterday resigned from this position after serving the institution for nine years.
It is not clear why Ndaitwah, Vice President and Swapo presidential candidate Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s husband, decided to call it quits. Ndaitwah’s resignation comes hot on the heels of reports that the institution allegedly financed the political activities of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), whose leader, Panduleni Itula, alongside other presidential hopefuls, are expected to square it off against Nandi-Ndaithwah during November Presidential and National Assembly elections.
Ndaitwah worked at IUM for five years as a senior lecturer before becoming a member of the governing council for four years until yesterday.
He confirmed his resignation from the institution to New Era, stating that he had done his part, and it was time to move on.
“I was not going to stay forever. I have done what I needed to do, and now it is time to leave,” Ndaitwah said.
Reports claim that over N$10.5 million was transferred from IUM coffers to a company owned by an employee, Wilfred Muller. Part of the funds was allegedly used to purchase GWM P-Series double-cabs for IPC’s campaigns. New Era reported earlier this week on Muller’s alleged suspension.
Pressed if his resignation from IUM was prompted by the reports or merely coincidental, Ndaitwah said: “I am an outsider now. And I cannot comment on internal matters.”
Despite investigating the matter, the institution remains tight-lipped on the outcome. Approached for comment yesterday, IUM spokesperson Gerry Munyama said he was in the dark about the resignation.
Excellence
Asked about his contribution to the institution over the year, the career soldier-turned-academic remembers initially focusing on strategic studies as a senior lecturer, and later transitioning to governance as a member of the governing council.
The IUM governing council is the supreme governing body of the institution.
“We have developed strategies to propel the institution forward, monitored student progress, and provided guidance. Recently, as council members, we have been visiting various campuses to assess ongoing projects. This is one of our primary responsibilities,” said Ndaitwah. – ashikololo@nepc.com.na