The International University of Management (IUM) officially opened the 2026 academic year on Monday, 16 February 2026. Officiating at the opening ceremony, Hon. Prof. Dr. David R. Namwandi declared the theme of the year to be “Fostering purpose driven service for National Development and International Engagement.”
In his address Hon. Prof. David R. Namwandi, IUM Founder and Council, noted that the last 32 years of IUM`s existence are a clear testimony that, as per Isaack Newton, “to every action there is an equal and opposite reaction”. IUM’s profile should therefore serve as an encouragement or motivating factor, as per renowned author Robert Schuller: “Tough times never last, but tough people do…”
He further pointed out that it was not by accident that this fine University came to be known as The International University of Management. Whatever we do here should and must reflect international standards i.e. our teaching methodology, research, infrastructure and products should be of the highest global standards. This year`s theme encapsulates this notion very well, “Fostering purpose driven service for national development and international engagement”. In line with this theme, we have focused on strengthening capacity in priority national areas to ensure that our programmes continue to be current and relevant to the national needs and agenda.
The key pillars supporting this strategic direction include: The new School of Medicine, The Water Institute, The Swakopmund Research, Training and Conference Centre. The latter is a declaration that IUM is reforming research and development in our country. We thus invite industry to look no further than IUM for empirical (applied) research, product development support and innovation capacity.
IUM Vice- Chancellor, Prof. Osmund Mwandemele, in his Welcoming Remarks, said, For those who may not know, especially our new students who have just joined IUM this year, IUM has grown tremendously over the last 32 years, from one student in 1994 to over 21,000 as of last week and we are still admitting more new students. At the heart of IUM’s remarkable journey of success, lies the visionary leadership of our Founder and Chairman of the Governing Council, Hon. Prof. Dr. David Richard Namwandi. His farsightedness and unwavering dedication to education has transformed our institution from a humble beginning as an Institute of Higher Education to a fully-fledged internationally respected University. Prof. Namwandi’s philosophy, that education is a tool for socio-economic transformation continues to guide our vision and mission to produce graduates who are not only confident and academically skillful, but also who are ethically grounded and globally competitive. The university’s academic programmes are futuristic and carefully designed to address economic and social development challenges facing society today and in the future.
IUM SRC President for the academic year 2026, Ms. Rauna Shipalanga, in her words of encouragement to students extended deepest appreciated the Government of the Republic of Namibia, for its unwavering commitment to subsidized education for all Namibians regardless of the university of their choice. The noble call, she said, was a testimony for the government, continued investment in accessible and affordable learning opportunities. She further observed that the government has opened doors for countless students, enabling them to pursue higher education with hope and confidence. This commitment not only transforms individual lives but also strengthens the nation by equipping Namibia’s youth with the knowledge and skills needed to shape a brighter future.