The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) council yesterday maintained it had followed correct procedures in naming Dr Erold Naomab as the new vice-chancellor effective January next year. 
The NUST council through its legal representative Patrick Kauta defended its decision, stating that the Joint Search Committee of Council and Senate (JSCCS) by a majority recommended Naomab for the appointment on 12 November. 
Furthermore, the council on the same date, by majority approved Naomab’s appointment. Naomab signed his employment offer on 13 November. 

In response to a demand letter from Professor Frednard Gideon’s attorney Sisa Namandje, the university council said the notion that Gideon was the overall best performer and recommended for the position by the joint selection committee was misconceived. 
“In the above circumstances and a contract of employment having been concluded upon acceptance of the offer, our client is legally unable to give you the undertaking that you seek,” reads the letter drafted by Kauta. 

Gideon and Naomab were the only two candidates interviewed for the position recently. On Monday, Namandje on behalf of Gideon, wrote to the NUST council, demanding answers why his client was overlooked for the position despite being found to be the overall best performer during the recruitment process and  recommended for the position by the joint selection committee. 
Namandje threatened the university council with a High Court application in which they will seek a review of the decision and other declaratory and consequential orders. 

The recruitment process was also questioned by higher education minister Itah Kandjii-Murangi, who said that the decision by council to vote and ignore the outcome of the pre-determined assessment processes was out of line and at odds with the practices of good governance. – mamakali@nepc.com.na