The Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture Sanet Steenkamp has highlighted that the new appointments of the Namibia University of Science and Technology Council members are aimed at renewing leadership and strengthening institutional governance.

“Your appointment comes at a critical juncture in the university’s institutional development. This includes strengthening governance structures, maintaining stability in executive leadership, and addressing outstanding financial reporting backlogs.”

NUST Vice-Chancellor Professor Frednard Gideon said the university must prepare students for an evolving economy driven by emerging sectors such as green hydrogen, oil and gas, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation.

The Council, which will serve a three-year term, is chaired by Leake Hangala deputised by Patricia Olivier.

Dr. Hangala said the university must prioritise attracting, developing and retaining qualified academics and professional staff to improve the quality of its graduates.

“The responsibility of the new council is now to build on the foundation that has been laid and move the university from institutional stabilisation to institutional performance, growth, and excellence. We are concerned that we cannot do everything at once. We must therefore prioritise focus and ensure that our decisions translate into results.”

Other members are Thomas Adams, Mbumba Haitengela, Gert Maritz, Isak Ndipwashimwe, Bernadette Mwiya, Fidelis Mwazi, Matheus Shoongo, Jessica Hauanga, Flora Gaes, Shoki Kandjimi, Harmony Musiyarira, Gloria Tshoopara, Eino Shilongo, and Student Representative Council President Jerome !Nanuseb.

Other university office-bearers include Chancellor Peter Katjavivi, Vice-Chancellor Frednard Gideon, Andrew Niikondo, Miriam Dikuua, Teresia Kaulihowa, Colin Stanley and Selma Heelu.