Matengu embarks on UNAM’s new vision

WINDHOEK, 01 AUG – Newly-appointed University of Namibia (UNAM) Vice Chancellor, Professor Kenneth Matengu has established a new vision for the higher learning institution, vowing to work tirelessly to obtain it together with fellow staff members.
In his first staff and student address on Wednesday, Matengu highlighted the university’s new vision to “becoming a sustainable international hub of higher education training, research and innovation by 2030”.
Matengu, whose role as the university’s third vice chancellor (VC) commenced on Wednesday, stressed that the vison becomes effective as from the same day.
“It is my commitment to draw on our collective strength, intellect and courage to make this vision and its ensuing plans a reality. I also invite you to contribute to its achievement,” he said.
The VC added that he will also appoint a six-member team that will re-examine the restructuring report and find the best way forward for the institution in the context of the current economic situation, but also considering global trends in structures and operations of academic institutions.
This team is expected to complete their work by the end of August.
“Together with my colleagues in management, I am committing myself to work hard with all stakeholders, students, staff, trade unions, other higher education institutes and our government, amongst others, to ensure we achieve our new vision and implement our strategic plan in order to deliver on the objectives we have set to achieve.”
Matengu said graduate employability is one of the main challenges in some disciplines, which needs to be re-examined with relevance, quality, standards and cost-effectiveness of the academic programmes and administrative structures the university has.
He called on the institution to therefore train for jobs of the future and revise its curriculum in order to respond in ways that best suit UNAM’s mission and the future developmental objectives of this country.
“So, expect that in the coming months, several decisions will be made to review curriculums but also align the curriculum objectives to our institutional strategic plan,” he announced.
Additionally, the VC vowed that his office will ensure that the university fully implements and operationalises Inceptus, a commercial entity wholly-owned by UNAM, to serve as a trading body for the commercialisation of its intellectual property, assets and business ventures.
According to Matengu, this entity should significantly contribute to the financial sustainability of the university and reduce its dependence on the government.
NAMPA