Simataa clarifies comments on tertiary institutions offering ‘wrong’ courses

Secretary to Cabinet George Simataa asserts that he never said the International University of Management (IUM) and the Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust) are offering “wrong courses”.

He also denies saying the courses are not registered with the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE).

In a press statement on Monday, Simataa noted that he is aware that IUM is a registered private higher education institution.

“While IUM may offer science and technology programmes as claimed, it is important to also understand that the government will not shy away from pushing for quality higher education,” he said.

He noted that Nust was created as the science and technology university.

“The Office of the Secretary to the Cabinet is fully aware that Nust has since elevated its science and technology programmes. However, more can be done to increase the enrolment rates in those fields and introduce more science and technology programmes,” said Simataa.

He noted that offering accredited science and technology programmes has proven to be difficult for private higher education institutions due to a lack of adequate infrastructure, dedicated staff members, software and non-adherence to admission requirements, among others.

During a state-owned enterprises annual general meeting at Oshakati last week, Simataa urged the NCHE to ensure tertiary institutions offer courses in line with their mandates.

Simataa said IUM is registered to offer management courses, but currently offers science and technology courses.

“Similarly, Nust, given its mandate, cannot be offering management courses … These are serious public service delivery challenges that need attention,” he said.

Meanwhile, IUM senior adviser and director Demus Makuwa said all the university’s programmes have management components.

“In no way are we restricted to offer programmes that are demand driven. We believe the statement is well calculated to bring mistrust and curb current students and prospective ones not to consider registering into our programmes,” said Mukwa.