Unam southern campus records growth

THE Unam Southern Campus is the university’s fastest-growing campus and is currently ranked 5th out of the 12 Unam campuses in terms of student enrolment, said its director, Erold Naomab.

Speaking at a special reception for stakeholders held yesterday at Keetmanshoop, Naomab said the enrolment of students grew from 71 at inception to 470 currently.

“We expect to reach an enrolment figure of 2 000 within five years since the campus opened its doors some two and a half years back,” he enthused.

The reception’s aim was to thank stakeholders for their contributions towards the campus’ successes, as well as to brief them on the progress the southern university campus has made to date.

Naomab also revealed that the campus is ranked number one, with 94% student progression; second with an 85% courses pass rate; and third with an 80% average pass rate.

These indicators, he said, present tangible value to stakeholders.

Naomab extended his appreciation to key stakeholders, including De Beers Namibia Holdings, the World Health Organisation (WHO), the //­Karas education directorate, the Keetmanshoop Town Council, and the //Karas governor’s office for their continued support to the campus.

According to him, De Beers recently made N$10 million available to support programmes at the campus for five years.

Also speaking at the event, Unam vice chancellor Lazarus Hangula said the campus was established to create an opportunity for the children of the South to access higher education, and is doing exceptionally well.

“We gather here today to network and brief stakeholders to ensure that the campus becomes the University of the South one day,” he remarked.

De Beers resident director Daniel Kali encouraged students to avoid mediocrity, and set goals of taking on leadership roles on the African continent.

“Your motive should be to improve the lives of others through education,” he added.

For his part, WHO representative Monirul Islam advised Unam to encourage research in all sectors amongst the students.

“We need to improve research thinking,” he added.

//Karas governor Lucia Basson, on her part, said the political will to assist the Namibian child to achieve their academic potential is evident, and urged students to take their learning seriously.