By Staff Writer
WINDHOEK
Education is about choice that enhances competition and the International University of Management (IUM) is about diversity among students registered with this private institution of higher learning, said the Prime Minister.
Speaking at the IUM end-of-year party, Prime Minister Nahas Angula said education teaches people to do things differently and this leads to competition.
He stressed IUM is about choice, diversity and competition and that when people are educated, they learn to do things differently. IUM’s year-end party was held last Saturday at a lodge in Windhoek.
Africa will remain stagnant in terms of development if institutions of higher learning do not diversify their programmes, said the Prime Minister.
It is in this vein that he applauded the International University of Management for coming up with something different, as this has created opportunities for Namibians to make a choice of whether to enroll with the University of Namibia (Unam), the Polytechnic or alternatively IUM.
In view of this therefore, the Government of Namibia supports the efforts of the International University of Management, the Prime Minister told the jovial congregation.
He stressed the importance of competition among institutions of higher learning because it improves the quality of service.
IUM at present has an enrollment of 1 550 students at its campus in Windhoek and those undertaking courses at its satellite campuses at Walvis Bay, Swakopmund and Ongwediva, while an institution of higher learning in Malawi offers IUM courses. Another in neighbouring Zambia could soon start offering IUM courses.
He advised the Student Representative Council (SRC) to serve the interests of fellow students and not to compromise their standing as they could be ousted if they fail to fulfill their mandate with diligence, also urging all students to work hard.
At the event punctuated with laughter, Angula entertained the gathering with a few jokes. In one, he jokingly acknowledged the presence of ex-MP Ponhele ya France, Swapo MP Peya Mushelenga and the Education Minister Nangolo Mbumba, saying failure to mention their presence could cost him votes at the upcoming Swapo Congress.
IUM’s Founding Chairman Dr David Namwandi, who is also the vice-chancellor of the institution, said during 2007, IUM had consolidated its operations both in Namibia and abroad, with several institutions of higher learning expressing a keen interest to offer IUM courses once they get approval from the various qualification authorities.
“Apart from Shareworld Open University, Malawi, more centres in the region are enquiring to offer our courses,” said the local pioneer of the privately run university.
Namwandi said the Namibia Qualifications Authority (NQA) this year granted full accreditation to 32 IUM programmes. Another positive aspect is the findings of a tracer study that revealed that IUM students are being absorbed by the labour market.
“Finally, it’s heartening to note the tremendous improvement in our finances. Audited financials indicate that we have made a surplus of N$573.877,” said the vice-chancellor who attributed this to prudent fiscal policy adopted by the university.
The vice-chancellor said IUM would forever remain indebted to the people and the Government for their support and encouragement.
At Saturday’s high-spirited event attended by around a hundred guests, SRC leader Collin Keya was awarded the floating IUM Vice Chancellor Trophy for the best SRC team for the last four years, while Bon Kahare, Jeremia Nghikevali and Collin Keya received awards for being the most visionary and dedicated leaders towards student affairs.
On Saturday, Mattthew Sheyavali and Agnes Runji received prizes for long service.
Maibelyn Cloete, a personal assistant to the vice-chancellor, scooped the award for outstanding overall performer, followed by Donald Hlahla the director of studies and Naomi Uushini a bursar. The fourth prize in this category went to Walvis Bay-based branch administrator Alice Gawanas.
Academic shinning light Stefanus Chiyesu with a 100 percent pass rate won the top prize for excelling academically, followed by Suama Shivolo (95 %) and Salomo Namwandi (91 %).
In the marketing and organizational performance category Maryna Gouws was on top followed by Frieda Tjirongo, and third was Corretty van Wyk and fourth Chantal Cloete. The Prime Minister, assisted by IUM’s vice-chancellor, handed over most of the prizes while Mbumba was also given the opportunity to present some of the awards.
IUM treated the invited students and its staff to a mouth-watering dinner and the popular Ndilimani Cultural Group provided all-night entertainment to the invitees.