Namibia University of Science and Technology, Windhoek
The Namibia University of Science and Technology contributes to Namibia’s development by providing tertiary technological career-oriented education at internationally recognized standards. The main objective of our curricula is thus the practice, promotion and transfer of technology. The instruction programs are aimed at meeting the needs of industry, the driving force of the Namibian economy. During the course of their study, technological knowledge, skills, values and attitudes are brought home to the students. The approach required for dealing successfully with the practice of the technological careers, industries and occupations involves excellence in the teaching of specific principles. It takes place within a climate conducive to intellectual and social development. We put the greater emphasis on the application and ability to apply the practical outcomes of scientific principles in such a way that they may be of use to the particular technology, career, industry or occupation.
History
The NUST was founded as Polytechnic of Namibia by Act No. 33 of 1994, by merging the Technikon Namibia and the College for Out-of School Training (COST) merged. The Act provided for the gradual phasing out of vocational training courses and the granting of degrees by the Polytechnic. The former City Campus (former Academy) became the Polytechnic and its first Rector, Dr. Tjama Tjivikua, was appointed on 4 August 1995, and the first meeting of Council was held on 10 August 1995. This event accelerated and completed the de-linkage of the two institutions of higher education in December 1995. The Polytechnic thus became an independent and autonomous institution in January 1996. It held its first graduation ceremony at which the President of the Republic of Namibia , Dr. Sam Nujoma, delivered the keynote address on 18 April 1996.
On 16th November 2015 the Polytechnic was renamed as Namibia University of Science and Technology.
The NUST’s governing structure includes the Council, its supreme policy-making body, the Senate, which is responsible for the academic component of the institution, the Rector, its chief academic and administrative officer, and a Students Representative Council.
Vision/Mission
With emphasis on the transfer of technology, the NUST gives due regard to the professional human resource requirements of the country and those of the region and beyond. To this and other ends, the NUST strives to:
- lead students to maturity and to assume their economic and social responsibilities, including developing a sense of responsibility, a problem-solving approach, integrity and a humane attitude toward others
- enable students both to acquire knowledge and to develop the skill of applying that knowledge in practical settings prepare students for careers or professions by drawing on existing knowledge, technology and research results in close co-operation with those involved in particular careers or professions
- be a centre of higher learning and train high-level specialists in all areas necessary for national development provide facilities appropriate to an academic institution of the highest quality available to all people likely to benefit from them regardless of race, colour, gender, ethnic origin, religion, creed, social and economic status, and physical condition
- promote the establishment of funding schemes in order to assist students who cannot afford course fees at the Polytechnic of Namibia
- safeguard and promote the principle of academic autonomy in order to provide the appropriate atmosphere and opportunities for scholars to pursue the development of their highest intellectual potential
- serve as a repository for the preservation, development and articulation of Namibian values and culture
- undertake basic and applied research that will contribute to the social, economic, cultural and political development of Namibia
- encourage the advancement of science, technology and development serve both urban and rural communities, including providing extension services throughout the country to contribute to the improved function of the education system as a whole
- promote national and international unity and understanding
- promote and defend a culture of excellence in the international community by encouraging criticism and engaging in regular self-evaluation and peer assessment