LÜDERITZ – Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust) vice chancellor Erold Naomab says the institution continues to progressively shape Namibia’s workforce.
This, he said, is being done through the academia by equipping students with requisite industry skills and knowledge.
He added that through collaboration between universities, industriy, and communities, they had ensured that Namibia thrives in the global knowledge-based economy.
“We are equipping our students with the skills, knowledge, and experiences they need to drive our nation forward into a prosperous, sustainable future. By partnering industry, we can tailor our curricula to address the latest developments in technology and sustainability,” said Naomab at the launch of the Nust Lüderitz satellite campus.
Nust officially marked the launch of its southern campus with a series of events on 24 and 25 September 2024. The celebrations began with a public lecture, followed by a fundraising gala dinner and the official launch, marked by a ribbon-cutting and plaque unveiling ceremony.
The academic noted that Lüderitz campus is set to become a cornerstone of progress, innovation, and sustainability, paving the way for a future that is built on the pillars of knowledge, research, and technological advancement.
“The campus is built on a Science and Technology Park (STP) model. STPs are not just physical spaces – they are ecosystems of innovation. They bring together the academia, industry and government to collaborate on finding solutions that drive economic growth, foster entrepreneurship, and create jobs. The Lüderitz campus STP will be the first of its kind in Namibia, offering state-of-the-art facilities where research meets real-world applications,” he added.
Naomab said through these parks, Namibia will create a collaborative environment where universities, industries, and research institutions can work together on cutting-edge projects.
The institution does not operate in silos, hence “the partnership with the Lüderitz Town Council represents a pivotal step in fostering collaboration for regional development and capacity building. The MoU signifies a partnership that leverages Nust’s academic expertise and research capabilities, combined with the Lüderitz Town Council’s commitment to local economic growth and community development.”
Kelp Blue marks a significant milestone in advancing sustainability, innovation and research that benefits both the university and the broader community, as well as the partnership with Bremen City University of Applied Sciences (HSB) in Germany.
He said: “The partnership with HSB enables international mobility for both students and faculty, allowing them to gain global perspectives on education and research. This exchange enhances the academic experience, offering Nust students, and staff exposure to world-class facilities, research programmes, and innovative teaching methods at HSB.
Naomab said their focus on green hydrogen research will position Namibia as a leader in the global shift towards renewable energy.
The Lüderitz campus will be a hub for innovation in hydrogen production, storage, and application, preparing the country to harness the potential of this clean energy source.
As the energy sector evolves, research into sustainable oil and gas practices remains
critical.
“Our academic programmes will address the latest in extraction technologies, environmental impact reduction, and alternative energy solutions,” he said.
Higher education minister Itah Kandjii-Murangi said with a focus on education, research, and innovation in critical areas within the blue and green economy, and the country’s burgeoning oil and gas sector, the Nust Lüderitz campus complements the government’s efforts to transform the country’s economy into a knowledge-based one.
“We must widen access and expand the higher education system. This is no longer a matter of choice. There is a demand for transformed higher education in Namibia. Only when a large proportion of our people are highly educated, will we attain the ability to compete on the global arena,” said the minister.
Kandjii-Murangi said providing access to education to the largest possible number of people enables a society to address poverty, unemployment, and inequality.
“This campus’ focus, to not only serve as a centre of academic excellence but also as a beacon for research collaboration between industry, the public, and academia, to drive forward developments; can positively impact both local communities of Lüderitz, the people of //Kharas region and the broader Namibian economy,” she added.
She called for engagements in producing high-quality, cutting-edge research that is transformative, impactful, and relevant to creating new futures for Namibians, and research matters to transform the life of the Namibian child.
Nust will be offering a master’s degree in sustainable energy systems, post graduate diploma in green hydrogen technologies, postgraduate certificate in informatics and other courses that are gravitating towards the blue economy. The courses will be available face-to-face and in hybrid format. Placements for 2025 are now open.