The transformation was confirmed last week following the National Assembly’s passing of the Bill that will herald the birth of Namibia’s newest university, the Namibia University of Science and Technology Bill (Bill 2 of 2015) on Thursday, 9 July 2015. The Rector of the Poly, Prof Tjama Tjivikua, said it was with great honour, pride and excitement that he could inform Poly staff that the Bill had been passed in the National Assembly.
The Bill will be reviewed by the Government legal drafters for final proofreading before it is to be certified by the Attorney General, Sacky Sanghala. It will then be submitted to President Hage Geingob for assent. Once the President has assented to the Bill, it will be published in the Gazette.
In terms of Section 40 of the NUST Bill, which deals with its commencement, the Act shall come into operation on a date to be determined by the Minister by Notice in the Gazette. Prof Tjama Tjivikua was elated at the news and said: “This is a momentous occasion, and it’s been a long time coming. Symbolically speaking, we are at an important junction in time: the closing of an old road, and the opening of a highway. We are thankful to the government and all stakeholders for their splendid support over the past 20 years. The new name capacitates and liberates the Institution to do much more than before.
“The next stage in our development will focus, inter alia, on science and technology, the enhancement of the profile, infrastructure and partnerships and networks. These factors will greatly contribute to Namibia’s socio-economic development and competitiveness, i.e. our capacity to participate better or competently at international level – efficiently, productively and effectively. With the necessary support, NUST will lead Namibia’s scientific and technological development.”
