Over N$1 million has been pledged by corporate and philanthropic individuals in support of the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) Ohangwena campus.
The NUST satellite campus will be stationed at Eenhana, and will offer various programmes, including in the fields of natural sciences, management sciences, as well as technical and vocational education and training.
On Monday, the university launched the fundraising initiative, which saw government leaders and businesses pledging towards the establishment of the new campus.
The pledges were made by, among others, President Hage Geingob, who gave N$20 000; former President Hifikepunye Pohamba, who committed to donate N$10 000 every month until August next year, and Founding President Sam Nujoma, who pledged N$5 000.
Former Ohangwena governor Usko Nghaamwa pledged a cash amount of N$100 000.
Speaking at the fundraising event, Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila said the satellite campus will, through its academic research and community engagement activities, support the national key priorities of industrialisation, economic growth and poverty eradication.
The premier and her family pledged an amount of N$10 00 to the Eenhana campus.
“It is only through collective effort that we will build a prosperous Namibia of all people,” she said.
On his part, Nujoma said the Eenhana project requires the involvement of all stakeholders, including non-governmental organisations, churches, traditional authorities, the private sector and the civil society at large.
Pohamba, who is the patron of the campus, said he was to be associated with the project because it signifies the progress made by the country, particularly in the education sector.
Pohamba praised NUST for imparting knowledge and skills that made it possible for many of our people to play vital roles in the development of our country.
“Therefore, I call upon Namibians from all walks of life to come and sow the first seed towards the growth of this important institution of higher learning in Ohangwena region – the NUST Eenhana campus,” he said.
Higher education minister Itah Kandjii-Murangi said the establishment of the NUST campus in Ohangwena augurs well with the notion of taking education to the people.
The campus will officially start offering classes next year.