More than 21 000 students have enrolled at the International University of Management -IUM for the 2026 academic year, with registration still ongoing.
The milestone was highlighted during the institution's official opening ceremony.
The annual event, traditionally held at the start of the first semester, brings together students, academic and administrative staff, parents and other stakeholders to mark the beginning of the academic calendar and set the tone for the year ahead.
IUM's Vice Chancellor, Professor Osmund Mwandemele announced that the university has already surpassed 21 000 students across its campuses.
" As demonstrated by the consistently increasing student enrollment numbers over the years, including 2026, Namibian, the International University of Management is in need, a wise choice and a preferred destination for many students coming from within the country, the South region and beyond. The Masters of ceremonies, ladies and gentlemen, for those who may not know, especially our new students, who have just joined us this year, IUM has grown over the last 32 years,from one student in 1994 to over 21,000 as of last week."
Founder of the institution , Professor David Namwandi reflected on the university's journey from humble beginnings in 1994, when it started with a single student.
He described the growth to more than 21 000 students - a figure he noted had already reached over 22 000 by the morning of the ceremony - as a national achievement.
" Today, I'm told it's more than 20,000 students. This morning alone, I'm told we have already over 22,000 students. Of course, last week, 21,000. And I'm told also that the number may grow because the registration is still ongoing. But I want to say this to me, this is a blessing, not to the first teacher, but to the nation."
SRC President Rauna Shipangalanga urged her fellow students to confidently embrace the journey into the new academic year.
With student numbers climbing and registrations still open, IUM enters the 2026 academic year on a record high.