WALVIS BAY - In a significant stride towards making tertiary education accessible, the International University of Management (IUM) is embarking on the construction of a state-of-the-art N$38 million university in Walvis Bay.
The strategic location aims to cater to the educational needs of the coastal towns of Walvis Bay, Swakopmund, Henties Bay and Arandis.
IUM is currently operating from a rented space in Walvis Bay. However, the number of students has grown over the years, resulting in the institution acquiring land for N$2.5 million to construct the new campus.
Founder of the institution, David Namwandi, said during the groundbreaking ceremony last week, that in the last two years, they have witnessed an impressive trajectory, not only in terms of student numbers, but also in investments and infrastructural development.
IUM is committed to making education accessible for all Namibians, and will continue to embark on this quest, he noted.
“The commitment to infrastructural development was underscored by a principal decision of the governing council. Every promise we have made, we keep,” he said, citing the groundbreaking in Swakopmund of a N$35 million investment in the Research, Training and Conference Centre in May last year.
Another project is the Eenhana campus being constructed at a cost of N$27 million, with an assurance from engineers of a handover around July 2024.
Erongo governor Neville Andre expressed gratitude for IUM’s choice of the region for the new campus and research centre.
“This decision reflects IUM’s confidence in the region and its potential for growth and development,” he acknowledged. Andre emphasised that universities actively engage in economic development planning, providing academic evidence to government officials, and utilising international connections, contribute significantly to regional growth.
“By empowering our youth through education, we empower our region, and set it on a path towards sustainable development. I am calling upon the youth to seize the opportunities at the IUM’s coastal campus, aligning with the government’s commitment to widen access to higher education,” he said.
Also speaking at the ceremony, deputy mayor of Walvis Bay Sara Mutondoka said the council’s commitment towards the residents of the town is evident, as it makes land available to institutions which would benefit the town.
“Gone are the days when parents sent their children to Windhoek for studies, where they suffered rent, transport and food challenges. The university is now right here at our doorstep. We take our hats off to Namwandi and the IUM leadership for taking tertiary education throughout the country. This development will contribute greatly towards the growth of our economy by creating jobs during and after construction,” she added.
- edeklerk@nepc.com.na