Ongwediva
The International University of Management (IUM) campus in Ongwediva has seen significant growth in the number of enrolled students in the Faculty of Education. This was revealed during the official opening of the 2016 academic year that was held at Ongwediva on Wednesday.
According to the Ongwediva campus co-ordinator Simataa Mwiya, IUM opened the education faculty last year.
Last year the country’s only private university was only able to enrol 27 students at its education faculty but in 2016 this figure has grown in leaps and bounds to 110 students.
The growing population of IUM student teachers will help relieve the teacher shortage in the country.
Recent media reports show that Namibia has at least 20 452 unqualified teachers. It was also reported that the government has committed itself to spend up to N$15 million to train under-qualified teachers.
The IUM aims to have more qualified teachers in the country, with good qualifications.
Mwiya said the campus is set to inaugurate its new administration block by the end of July.
During the official opening of the academic year a new Iveco bus was presented to Mwiya from the head office. Mwiya noted that the bus will be used to meet students’ needs, including students that travel long distances.
The deputy vice-chancellor Prof. Earl Taylor who handed over the new bus, told the students that they should work hard to achieve their goals.
Taylor maintained the students’ future is bright and that the IUM team is always available to assist where possible.
“You have to be the driver to be a champion … As you embark on your journey towards your goal, have hope and seek help when it is necessary,” said Taylor. He encouraged students to not let poverty rule them.
Meanwhile, the deputy mayor of Ongwediva Jason Asino who was also among the speakers encouraged students to dedicate their time to education.
He said that the Ongwediva Town council will work together with IUM and the education sector to help educate the Namibian child.
IUM’s pro-vice-chancellor of administration Professor Fred Opali urged students not to miss classes and motivated them to wear graduation gowns some day. He said the opening is aimed to set the tone and direction within the current academic year.
“We challenge IUM to work with a difference,” Opali said. He urged students to have a difference in their conduct, difference in attitude and difference in academic performance.
He also encouraged students to think critically.
Opali further urged students to keep their environment clean and to avoid unnecessary activities such as backbiting but to rather pay attention to their existence at the university so that they ensure themselves a brighter future.