Tensions are rising at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) Eenhana Satellite Campus, where the Student Representative Council (SRC) has publicly accused management of severe negligence.
Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, SRC's Vice President Rebbeus Hashiyana warned that missing transportation networks are actively disrupting student access to lectures.
Hashiyana said many students are forced to travel long distances and are becoming vulnerable to criminals while commuting to and from campus. He explained that the campus is located about 15 kilometres from Eenhana town, while some students travel from as far as Onhuno in the Helao Nafidi area.
Although NUST provides bus transport twice a day – once in the morning to bring students to campus and once in the afternoon to return them to Eenhana and Onhuno – the SRC says the service is insufficient and does not meet students' needs.
"As you know, all the students here at Eenhana, as you can see, are writing midnights from 6 to 9, but there is no transport for them. We want all NUST high management and the republic to hear that we are not happy with how we are treated here at NUST. We deserve fair treatment, as do all the universities in Namibia."
Students also alleged that there are not enough computers at the Eenhana Satellite Campus, limiting their ability to study effectively.
They said the shortage of resources often forces tests to be conducted late into the evening, leaving some students stranded because transport is no longer available after 17:00.
"We believe this issue deserves attention because the quality of higher education is not only a university matter; it is a national matter. Students are the future of work in Namibia. Investing in students is investing in the whole nation. We call upon Eenhana to not be treated as less important than the other campuses, which are the main campus."
Responding to the allegations, NUST Eenhana Satellite Campus Head Dr. Lukas Shikulo said campus management was not aware of the concerns raised and could therefore not comment in detail. He indicated that management would first engage with the SRC before issuing an official response.
"We have internal processes of resolving issues. I was never in a position to get this content. Our internal process will follow this to the core, and if there is a need to give feedback to the public, we will do so. For now, unfortunately, I have nothing to say. Thanks so much."
The NUST Eenhana Satellite Campus currently operates from the Ohangwena Regional Council's Billy William Mwaningange Rural Development Centre at Eembaxu village.