Patience Makwele
The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) has been urged to prepare students for jobs and industries that do not yet exist, as Namibia faces the growing demands of emerging technologies and changing economic priorities.
Education, innovation, youth, sports, arts and culture minister Sanet Steenkamp said the university must ensure its academic programmes, research priorities and partnerships respond to the country’s present and future needs.
“Our graduates must not only be prepared for the jobs that exist today; they must also have the knowledge, adaptability and problem-solving capabilities to participate in shaping the jobs and industries of tomorrow,” Steenkamp said.
She made the remarks during the inaugural meeting of NUST’s newly appointed council on Wednesday, where she identified artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and robotics among the emerging technologies requiring the university’s attention.
The newly appointed council, whose 2026–2029 term formally commenced with the inaugural meeting, will be chaired by Leake Hangala, who was reappointed to the position. Patricia Olivier was appointed deputy chairperson.
The council is responsible for providing strategic leadership and institutional oversight, as well as ensuring good governance at the university.
Steenkamp also pointed to energy, mining and mineral beneficiation, agriculture and agro-processing, water security and climate adaptation, as well as logistics and transport corridors, as areas where NUST should align its academic strengths with national development priorities.
She said the university’s success should not be measured only through rankings and strategic documents.
“It must be reflected in the quality of our graduates, the relevance of our research, the innovations we generate, the partnerships we establish and the practical contribution we make to the development of our country,” she said.
The minister further challenged the institution to ensure that research produces practical solutions for communities, public institutions and productive sectors.
“Research should not remain confined to academic publications or institutional laboratories. It should contribute to addressing the challenges faced by our communities, public institutions and productive sectors,” she said.
Hangala said the new council must move the university beyond institutional stabilisation towards improved performance and growth.
“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,” Hangala said.
He said the council would have to prioritise its work and ensure its decisions produce results.
NUST Vice-Chancellor Professor Frednard Gideon also pointed to the need to prepare students for an evolving economy, including opportunities in green hydrogen, oil and gas, artificial intelligence and digital transformation.
Steenkamp said expanding access to higher education must also be accompanied by the resources needed to help students complete their studies.
“Our responsibility does not end when a student is admitted. We must create the conditions in which students can progress, complete their studies and graduate with competencies that are valued by society and the economy,” she said.
She identified academic support, infrastructure, qualified staff, learning resources and student services as essential to improving student success.
The minister also said NUST’s regional presence, including its campuses in Eenhana and Otavi and growing activities in Lüderitz, could bring higher education and skills development closer to communities, but cautioned that expansion must be supported by sustainable funding, staffing and long-term planning.
She urged the council to exercise effective oversight and ensure that the university remains financially sustainable and accountable.
“The outstanding work to bring financial reporting up to date must remain a priority,” Steenkamp said.
She said the ministry expects NUST to demonstrate its contribution to national development through capable graduates, relevant research, technological innovation and meaningful partnerships.
