By Albertina Nakale
WINDHOEK – The University of Namibia (Unam) will fork out about N$14 million to build a School of Military Science that will offer various courses ranging from maritime to militia, among other specialised services for the men and women in uniform.
Professor Frednard Gideon, the Dean of the Faculty of Science at Unam, under which the Military School falls, said construction of a new building is currently under way at the main campus.
Asked what prompted the need for a new Military School, Gideon explained that modern warfare and defence are no longer only about shooting guns and fighting, but rather about strategy and preparedness to cope with the ever-changing dynamic world we live in.
“We want to modernise our military,” he remarked, further adding that students can expect dynamic knowledge that meets international standards.
“The school is working closely with the Military Academy of South Africa, which is a renowned institution in terms of military training,” said Gideon.
Students can expect varied and practical experiences with the Navy, Air Force and various other units.
During 2013, Unam signed a memorandum of agreement with the Ministry of Defence that culminated in the Unam offering a new Military Science degree programme.
At the time, Unam Vice-Chancellor, Professor Lazarus Hangula, said such an agreement would provide an opportunity for people in the military to obtain higher qualifications in various areas of national security.
When asked who will be accommodated in the course, Gideon said every one, as both local and foreign students will be enrolled for courses at the military school.
It will offer courses such Bachelor of Science: Army, Bachelor of Science: Navy, Bachelor of Science: Nautical as well as Masters programmes and some diplomas.
The curriculum for military science at degree level addresses basic military, navy, aeronautic and other specialised services.
He, however, said the Military School is expected to expand with time.
Meanwhile, Unam spokesperson, Johannes Haufiku, said Unam would house its youngest programme yet, the School of Military Science, which officially began last year, but is quickly picking up pace – with over 60 students enrolled thus far.
Once completed, the Military School will have about 10 staff members and many various visiting professors.
The Military School falls under the Faculty of Science, headed by Dean Dr Vincent Mwange, himself a former employee of the Ministry of Defence.
Gideon, according to Haufiku, is a time-tested Unam academic who has been with the University of Namibia for a long time.