Kuzeeko Tjitemisa
Higher education minister Itah Kandjii-Murangi yesterday said she was standing by her letter addressed to the council of the Namibia University of Science and Technology following the naming of Dr Erold Naomab as the university’s new vice chancellor.
In her letter, which was shared after the council had confirmed Naomab’s appointment, Kandjii-Murangi seemingly questioned the council’s decision to designate Naomab as the successful candidate.
According to the minister, the Nust council disregarded various assessment outcomes that are at odds with the principles of good governance.
“Therefore, in this premise and to the extent that the allegations are true, I hereby advise that the council confines itself to the outcomes of the interviews and/or of any other assessment components as pre-determined or determined by the council,” she said.
Naomab competed for the position against fellow University of Namibia senior employee Professor Frednard Gideon, who serves as pro-vice chancellor for academic affairs. Naomab is the head of Unam’s Southern Campus.
The council chairperson, Florette Nakusera, said Naomab, whose appointment is effective January next year, brings a wealth of strategic and visionary leadership skills as well as extensive academic experience to the university.
“His fundraising abilities and strategic networking skills with development institutions, private sector, international community and the local public sector will be a great asset to Nust,” she said.
“Council is thankful for Dr (Andrew) Niikondo’s leadership over the past six months at the helm of Nust, a responsibility that the current council entrusted him with. Council wishes him all the best as he will return to his substantive position of deputy vice chancellor: academic affairs as from January 2021.”
Nust chancellor Peter Katjavivi yesterday also congratulated Naomab, saying he is looking forward to working with him.
“As most of us are aware, the Nust Joint Search Committee has been tasked with the responsibility of finalising this undertaking. This appointment was overdue and, therefore, it is pleasing to note that the matter has now been concluded. I offer my warmest congratulations to Dr Erold Naomab, the newly-appointed vice chancellor of Nust,” said Katjavivi.
– ktjitemisa@nepc.com.na