Unam sets enrolment record

THE University of Namibia (Unam) vice chancellor, Lazarus Hangula, says 20 975 students have enrolled with the institution this academic year, setting a new record for the university.

Hangula made the revelations at the Unam Southern Campus first anniversary celebrations at Keetmanshoop yesterday.

This year’s enrolment is 7,4% higher than the 2014 figure of 19 506.

Unam’s 2015 intake comprises students from different socio-economic backgrounds from 44 countries across the globe, Hangula added.

“Unam is increasingly becoming the university of choice for many citizens of the world. This does not only mean that Unam has become a more visible institution, but it also means that there is quality in the education and training that our national university provides to students as is also attested by the level of our ranking among higher learning institutions in Africa,” Hangula remarked.

According to Hangula, the Southern Campus enrolment grew exponentially to 438 students this academic year.

“This is, indeed, a very encouraging development which vindicates both our decision and efforts of establishing a campus here in the mighty //Karas Region,” said Hangula.

Also speaking at the same event, Southern Campus director, Erold Noamab attributed the growth in student enrolment from 71 to 438 to the introduction of two new programmes at the campus which include the Junior Primary Education diploma and Bachelor of Nursing Science Honours.

“This is indeed an increase which can only be regarded as significant and unprecedented,” said Noamab.

Noamab said projections show that the campus will grow by a factor of .014% annually and it is expected to have 915 students next year and more than 2 000 by 2018.

“These projections suggest that the Southern Campus will be in the top five Unam campuses ranked by student enrolment by 2018,” Noamab boasted.

Moreover, Noamab revealed that //Karas has the highest regional representation on the campus with 32,9%, adding that the institution has 76% female students.

Despite the growth in enrolment, Noamab expressed concern over the low intake in Khoekhoeb and Otjiherero specialisations.

//Karas governor and MP-elect Bernadus Swartbooi, who was the driving force behind the establishment of the Southern Campus, urged the students to show appreciation for their admission at the institution by posting good academic results.

“Whether you come from a humble background or you are frustrated by poverty, recognise that you are part of an elite few that needs education,” said Swartbooi, urging students to grab the opportunity given to them with both hands and make a success of it.

luqman@namibian.com.na