IUM held its 2024 Summer Convocation at the Windhoek Country Club and Resort on 28th and 29th October 2024. Hon. Prof. Dr. David Richard Namwandi, Founder and Chairman of the IUM Governing Council, delivered a compelling and inspiring address to the graduating class of 2023/2024. His speech reflected IUM’s 30-year journey, highlighting its influence on Namibia’s development and emphasizing the university’s ongoing efforts to empower the next generation of leaders and innovators.
Prof. Namwandi started by congratulating the graduates for their hard-earned success, recognising their dedication, perseverance, and commitment. He encouraged them to embrace lifelong learning as a vital tool in an ever-evolving world, stressing that innovation is key to overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities.
Looking back on IUM’s 30 years of progress, Prof. Namwandi highlighted the university’s remarkable growth and its continued focus on producing graduates who will contribute to Namibia’s economic and social advancement. His message was clear: IUM’s mission is to equip students with the knowledge and skills to drive economic change and create opportunities for themselves and others.
Prof. Namwandi shared key milestones and developments that demonstrate IUM’s leadership in the education sector and its role in responding to Namibia’s needs:
- IUM High-Tech Campus in Eenhana (Ohangwena Region): Expanding IUM’s presence and academic reach, providing students with state-of-the-art facilities and new opportunities.
- IUM Research, Training, and Conference Centre at Swakopmund: A centre for research and innovation, strengthening collaboration across sectors and contributing to national development.
- IUM Graduate School of Business: Offering advanced business education to prepare students for leadership roles in a rapidly changing global economy.
IUM Radio Station: A platform for Namibian youth to engage with national issues, share ideas, and inspire social change through active participation. - School of Energy Resources Management, Technology Development, and Innovation: Addressing the growing need for professionals in renewable energy, oil, gas, and other emerging sectors, driving sustainable growth.
- Water Resource Management Institute: Developing solutions for effective water management and sustainable agricultural production in Namibia.
- School of Medicine: Meeting the country’s need for specialised healthcare professionals, enhancing the quality of medical care in Namibia.
Expansion and Rebranding: Looking to the Future
Prof. Namwandi also announced the rebranding of the IUM Ongwediva Centre of Excellence for Education to IUM Ongwediva Campus, reflecting IUM’s ability to grow and adapt to the changing educational landscape. Additionally, he revealed that the IUM Eenhana Campus is now accepting applications for the 2025 academic year, offering more educational opportunities to students across the country.
In his closing remarks, Prof. Namwandi expressed sincere gratitude to parents, guardians, sponsors, and the Namibian Government for their continued support. He reaffirmed IUM’s mission to equip graduates with the skills needed to reduce unemployment and contribute to the economic development of Namibia.
Prof. Namwandi through David Namwandi Trust (DNT) provided seed capital funding to three recipients. This initiative aimed to support the less privileged and assist the government in addressing poverty, unemployment, and other social challenges. He clarified that the DNT funds are separate from IUM’s resources, as they are drawn from his personal savings, demonstrating his commitment to making a positive impact on Namibia’s socio-economic development.
Prof. Namwandi’s address highlighted IUM’s critical role in driving progress in Namibia. Through education, innovation, and the development of essential skills, IUM continues to prepare graduates who will contribute to national growth and transformation.