Mbumba sworn in as UNAM chancellor

WINDHOEK, 07 APR – Vice-President Nangolo Mbumba was sworn in as chancellor of the University of Namibia (UNAM) here on Thursday.
In his acceptance speech, Mbumba pledged to continue the legacy of his predecessors, saying he look forward to a healthy and effective working relationship with all stakeholders in the education sector to execute UNAM’s mandate of education, service and development.
“I am stepping into their shoes today as a chancellor, shoes of dignity and integrity with which they have wisely walked to establish and consolidate UNAM into the premier institution of learning which it is today,” he said.
Founding President Sam Nujoma was the first chancellor of UNAM, followed by former President Hifikepunye Pohamba.
Mbumba expressed his full support towards the university’s vision to serve as a centre of higher learning, served by dedicated men and women of quality, and producing graduates to uplift the standards of living of the Namibian people.
“I have been tasked to provide overall policy guidance to UNAM at a very critical juncture in the history of our country, precisely three years since the current administration under President Hage Geingob took over the reins of Government in 2015,” he said.
The chancellor urged lecturers to render quality education to all students in a transparent manner and not to get involved in acts of absenteeism, favours for marks and diffusing anti-government philosophies.
He fortified students to be entrepreneurs in different fields to create jobs for themselves and others, instead of demanding jobs from the government.
“As for the management, continue to create a conducive and positive administrative environment in which learning, cultural exchange and academic freedom reign,” stated Mbumba.
Founding Chancellor, Nujoma expressed his full confidence in Mbumba as the newly appointed chancellor as he is an education professional.
Pohamba advised Mbumba to work closely with the UNAM Council to ensure that issues of good governance, transparency and accountability remain high.

NAMPA