WINDHOEK – The Polytechnic of Namibia (PoN) has over the past few years invested about N$10 million annually in information technology and state-of-the-art infrastructure in preparation for the transition to the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST). By the end of October, the Polytechnic will add more than 40 wireless access points to its expanding network to connect almost every corner of the institution’s campus with a total of 158 wireless access points. In addition, the institution opened four new computer laboratories this year alone to bring the total to 49 laboratories the Polytechnic has established.
“These technological developments are not just important but are imperative as the Polytechnic makes the transition to the Namibia University of Science and Technology. However, this transition to the NUST has provided us opportunities to re-think and re-engineer the ways we conduct our business,” said Rector, Tjama Tjivikua, during the PoN’s annual Technology Day, themed ‘ICTs in education: A transforming agent in universities of science and technology’. In a speech delivered on his behalf by his Special Advisor, Errol Tyobeka, Tjivikua said the institution is not only obliged to utilise technologies to deliver services “but these technological tools impel us to examine the current and emerging global trends and thus enabling us to predict future actions”.
During the Polytechnic of Namibia’s recent graduation ceremony, President Hifikepunye Pohamba said the transformation of the PoN into the Namibia University of Science and Technology will greatly contribute towards the socio-economic transformation of the nation.
“I am also confident that the envisaged University of Science and Technology will be well-positioned to compete with other universities in Africa, and elsewhere around the world,” said Pohamba. The President added that Namibia must thus continue to build outstanding institutions of learning, which will serve as agents for the rapid transformation of the Namibian economy.
Meanwhile, Minister of Education, David Namwandi, recently confirmed that the name-change of the Polytechnic to the Namibia University of Science and Technology will only take place next year. Adding that the PoN is engaged in multiple activities to ensure smooth transition.
Tjivikua noted that in the teaching and learning space, the institution has prioritised the elimination of duplication and gatekeeping courses, the enhancement of teaching and learning methods as well as ensuring a web presence of all courses offered.
“We are vigorously pursuing these focal areas because we are convinced that they will lay a platform from which to launch other multifarious projects so as to achieve a holistic transformation of the Polytechnic,” remarked Tjivikua.