Eba Kandovazu
THE Minister of Higher Education, Training and Innovation, Dr Itah Kandjii-Murangi is denying allegations that she is part of a ‘secret agreement’, which would allegedly see her entering into a deal with a Malaysian university to set up a private institution linked to her, which is to be funded by Government, replacing the Namibia Training Authority(NTA).
“It is not true. None of that is true”, says she emphatically when contacted for comment. Meanwhile, the Spokesperson in the ministry, Selma Ngola says she would consult the Executive Director (ED) to determine whether the matter is a ministry affair or the minister’s personal affairs.
In a leaked unsigned draft memorandum of understanding (MOU), reportedly between Kandjii-Murangi and Limkokwing University of Creative Technology-Malaysia, the minister is accused of agreeing to facilitate visa applications of international staff employed by the Limkokwing University working at the University for a specific period as agreed by both parties. Windhoek Mayor, Job Amupanda, describing the agreement as a ‘sell-out secret agreement’ says the private university will pocket a minimum N$ 80 000 million annually.
The agreement, he adds, obligates Government to supply and fund a minimum 2000 students per year. The university will host the most expensive degree in Namibia according to Amupanda, costing about N$ 40 000 per student per year.
“My State House sources have shared a secret agreement that Government will sign with the private university of Higher Education minister. In this secret agreement, Government will fund this foreign university, give land for 12 years. Give free visas, provide exemption for custom duties, fund and provide 2000 students per year and worse, this private university will replace the NTA,”Amupnda claims.
