My career

THE Institute for Open Learning (IOL) has helped shape many people’s careers. Hipa Murangi (HM) is currently leading the institute. He chats with The Namibian’s Walter Kariko (WK) about his career.

WK: Who is Hipa Murangi?
HM: The journey of becoming a family man and farmer, and having a passion for information and communications technology (ICT) development in Namibia allows me to have a diverse set of interests and make a positive impact in multiple areas.

The three areas involve personal growth, maturity and embracing the responsibilities and joys that come with having a family or expanding my role in farming.

Overall, my dedication to being a family man, farmer, and advocate for ICT development in Namibia is contributing to the growth and prosperity of the country.

By embracing technology and leveraging it even in my farming practices, while actively participating in ICT initiatives and discussions, I can help create a brighter future for Namibia.

WK: When did you join Trustco Namibia?

HM: Let me rather say I rejoined and was welcomed to the Trustco family in 2011. The rest is history.

WK: You have been appointed as IOL’s new deputy chief executive officer (CEO). What does this job entail?

HM: My role is significant in supporting the overall leadership and management of IOL.

In this position, I work closely with the CEO and other top-level executives to ensure the effective implementation of IOL’s vision and strategic goals.

Key aspects associated with my role include strategic planning, policy development, working closely with the finance team to ensure financial sustainability, stakeholder engagement and operational oversight, which include student services, administrative functions and other operational aspects to ensure efficient and effective operations.

I endorse the institute’s mission, achievements, and initiatives to enhance its reputation and build partnerships within the education sector.

I like to promote the Trustco culture of innovation to stay ahead of industry trends and provide the best possible education services to students.

WK: What part of your job do you enjoy the most?

HM: By leveraging ICT effectively at IOL, I optimise operations, enhance educational outcomes, and allow IOL to stay ahead in the evolving landscape of the education sector.

I rejoice over a student-centred environment daily.

WK:Tell us more about IOL and its mandate.

HM: Some 28 years ago, IOL opened its doors with the objective of ensuring that access to higher education in Namibia is not limited to only the few who can afford to study full-time.

IOL dedicated its resources, energy and passion to developing the institution to make education accessible to working students and students in Namibia’s rural areas.

Its student enrolment has grown to over 62 000 students since its establishment in 1995.

WK: Before becoming the deputy CEO of IOL, you were the chief operations officer (COO) of ICT Learning and Distribution at Trustco Group Holdings. Walk us through your career and the experiences which have shaped you.

HM: I started at IOL in 2011 as a basic computer skills trainer, and had the opportunity to help students develop important technology skills that helped them succeed in today’s digital world.

This job was satisfying as it allowed me to provide students with the most relevant and useful information.

As I embrace technology, I was soon promoted to COO of ICT learning and distribution. I applied technology as a tool for improving distribution operations, and material management systems to streamline processes and improve efficiency.

Supporting senior management has been an important part of my roles within Trustco.

This has helped me better align my work with the group’s priorities and identify opportunities to provide support.

Serving on a junior board was a great opportunity to learn and grow.
I gained experience in management and developed leadership skills.
Being recognised as one of the top-40 employees for six years in a row is a great achievement, but it’s important to stay humble and remember there’s always room for improvement.

I played my role as a stakeholder and adviser on education and ICT integration when Covid-19 reached our doors.

I have also served as the chairperson of the Association for Private Higher Education Institutions Namibia.

WK: What’s on your vision board for Namibia’s education sector?

HM: My vision for education has one important focus, and that’s the composition of education boards.

Education boards must comprise a group of individuals who are responsible for making policy decisions and overseeing the educational system in Namibia.

We must have education experts which may include curriculum developers, educators, administrators, or experts in the field of education and private institutions.

There should also be community representatives.

No board should carry a vision without finance experts.

WK: What leadership traits do you bring to IOL?

HM: As the deputy CEO in the education sector, my role requires strong leadership skills, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the field of education in Namibia.
I effectively carry out my responsibilities, and contribute to the success and growth of IOL, positively impacting the education sector and the lives of students and pupils.

I particularly embrace online learning platforms and educational technologies to enhance the learning experience of students.

WK: Whose well of wisdom do you draw from?

HM: I draw wisdom from both my mom and my boss, Quinton van Rooyen, which provides me with a diverse range of perspectives and insights.