Today, a strategic partnership was established between Namibia’s first premier private university, the International University of Management (IUM), and a public sector institution, the Namibia College of Open Learning (NAMCOL), through the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that is poised to transform the face and content of education in Namibia.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Prof. Osmund Mwandemele applauded the partnership, stating, “We are all Namibians first, regardless of whether we belong to the public or private sector. National development initiatives must take priority, as they are the driving force behind our country’s progress.”
Dr Kadhila, the CEO of NAMCOL, addressed the common misconception that NAMCOL solely serves as a “second-chance” institution for mainstream high school learners. He clarified that, in accordance with its establishing Act of Parliament, NAMCOL holds a broad mandate that includes the provision of higher education and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes.
NAMCOL has a strong and visible presence across four designated Regional offices which are Northern Region, North Eastern Region, Southern Region and Central Region while IUM has five campuses located in Windhoek, Ongwediva, Nkurenkuru,Walvis Bay, and Eenhana. Notably, IUM is also set to inaugurate a high-tech, state-of-the-art Research Centre in Swakopmund later this year.
To ensure the effective implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), both institutions have agreed to establish joint implementation committees with immediate effect, focusing on the mutually agreed areas of collaboration. This development reaffirms IUM’s leadership in fostering dynamic and strategic partnerships across both the private and public sector institutions.