Staff writer
The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) Council has appointed Dr Andrew Niikondo as the university’s new Acting Vice-Chancellor, effective 19 May 2020.
Niikondo’s appointment follows the expiry of the acting term of Morné Du Toit, who now reverts to his substantive position of Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Finance and Administration.
Dr Niikondo is expected to serve for a period of six (6) months, or until the position is substantially filled, which ever date is earlier.
“It is envisaged that the recruitment of the Vice-Chancellor will be concluded in the second half of the year. The Council is confident that Dr Niikondo will lead the University according to the best of his abilities, particularly during this difficult time of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Dr Niikondo holds a National Diploma in Public Management, obtained at the Polytechnic of Namibia in 1995, a B-Tech Degree in Public Management from Technikon South Africa (TSA) in 1999, a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of the Western Cape in 2002, and a Doctoral Degree in Public Administration from the University of Namibia in 2008. He served in the EXCO of the University for a period of nine (9) years, first as Vice-Rector: Academic Affairs and Research from 2011 until 2018 and thereafter as Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic, since 2018 to date.
“Furthermore, it is Council’s wish to see the Institution flourish and to continue creatively meeting the needs of students, society and the economy through multiple pathways for excellent education, research, innovation and collaborations with the stakeholders. Council is therefore calling on all NUST staff members, stakeholders and the wider community to pledge their support to Dr Niikondo’s leadership during this transition period.”
“Council is thankful for Mr Du Toit’s leadership over the past six months at the helm of NUST, a responsibility that the current Council entrusted him with, as well as, for the previous period of acting.”
