Nust VC Faces Uncertain Future as Contract Ends

Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust) vice chancellor Erold Naomab sought the intervention of minister of education, innovation, youth, sport, arts and culture Sanet Steenkamp to save his job.

Naomab reached out to Steenkamp after the university’s governing council this week informed him that his contract, set to expire on 31 December, would not be renewed.

Steenkamp allegedly told Naomab that she cannot go against the council’s decision.

Nust council chairperson Leake Hangala, in a statement, yesterday confirmed the developments.

“The employment contract of the incumbent shall lapse on 31 December 2025. The incumbent has been duly notified, and all statutory formalities have been satisfied. The council has resolved to advertise the position and finalise the recruitment process in earnest,” he said.

Hangala said the council has also taken necessary steps to avoid operational disruption in the office of the vice chancellor and ensure a smooth transition once the recruitment process has been finalised.

Naomab’s appointment as Nust vice chancellor in November 2020 was controversial; fellow contender Frednard Gideon, University of Namibia (Unam) vice chancellor for academic affairs, challenged the decision in court, arguing that Naomab was selected as the best candidate in spite of Gideon’s superior performance. Gideon also said he was recommended by the interview committee.

The High Court dismissed Gideon’s case.

Some sources suggest that Naomab’s current situation may be tied to changes in the political administration. Naomab allegedly feels targeted by the new administration as there has not been a performance review to justify the decision not to renew his contract, a source at the university said.

Nust sources further told The Namibian that the council informed Naomab of its decision during a special council meeting two weeks ago and reiterated it at a council meeting held on Monday.

“Naomab wanted his contract to be renewed like that of the Unam vice chancellor but has since been told that he is free to apply once [the position is] advertised,” a source said.

PLEA FOR HELP ?

The Namibian was informed by the source that Naomab sought Steenkamp’s intervention after learning of the council’s decision.

Naomab’s relationship with the governing council broke down, especially last month when he allegedly threatened to walk out of the council meeting and challenged Hangala’s power.

Naomab did not respond to questions sent to him yesterday.

Steenkamp yesterday confirmed meeting with Naomab but refused to answer whether she was asked to intervene. “I can only state that I had a meeting with the chairperson of the council, Hangala, and vice chairperson [Norah Ndopu] as well as the vice chancellor [Naomab] yesterday. The council meeting then proceeded thereafter.

“I think it is best to contact Naomab in this regard or Hangala,” Steenkamp said.

When asked yesterday why the council did not renew Naomab’s employment contract, Hangala asked in return: “Was it supposed to be renewed?”

Nust said it will also advertise the position of deputy vice chancellor for research, innovation and partnership, a role currently held by Colin Stanley. The position of deputy vice chancellor for teaching, learning and technology – which is currently occupied by Andrew Niikondo – is also reportedly up for grabs.

Niikondo yesterday referred questions to Nust spokesperson Nashilongo Gervasius.