The government is committed to appointing new leadership councils across higher education institutions. 

This was said by the Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports,  Arts and Culture, Sanet Steenkamp, during the inaugural council meeting of the University of Namibia.

Dr. Steenkamp urged that relationships between university councils and management must be anchored on mutual respect, constructive challenge, and strict accountability.

Dr. Steenkamp also says the ministry will provide policy and strategic direction while respecting the council's statutory authority and also stresses the importance of maintaining the independence of the council.

She also emphasised that while the ministry will provide clear policy and strategic direction, it will strictly respect the council's statutory authority, stressing the vital importance of maintaining the council's independence.

"We are not here, neither am I, to manage the University of Namibia from my chair. Our responsibility as a ministry is to provide the appropriate policy and strategic direction support to the university in fulfilling its statutory mandate and to ensure that public institutions remain aligned with national priorities."

University of Namibia Vice-Chancellor Professor Kenneth Matengu stated that this marks the first time in the institution's history that a minister has presided over the signing of a governance agreement. 

Professor Matengu emphasised that universities truly thrive when councils serve the core mandate of the institution, adding that the newly appointed council brings together highly competent experts from various sectors.

"If there's a very good understanding of the importance of the council playing its governance role, steering the institution in council members being ambassadors and advocates of what the institution has achieved."

The Chairperson of the UNAM Council, Wilhencia |Uiras, says the newly appointed leadership remains fully committed to the institution's core mandate. 

|Uiras emphasised driving robust academic research, advancing and disseminating knowledge, and delivering impactful community extension services across the country.

The council is expected to provide strict, effective oversight of the university's executive management team. This governance structure ensures that all institutional operations remain closely aligned with Namibia's national development priorities.

"Whatever the university embarks upon, our commitment is that the work must demonstrate impact on the students, the society, the environment and the nation in particular."

The newly appointed UNAM council will serve a four-year term.