Naomab to promote financial sustainability

The Namibia University of Science and Technology’s (Nust) new vice chancellor, Erold Naomab, has said promoting financial sustainability will be one of his key goals during his tenure.

A robing ceremony was on Tuesday held for the new vice chancellor, whose appointment was announced last month.

Speaking during the ceremony, Naomab said while it is indisputable that Nust cannot function without government subsidies, it is of paramount importance that the institution, on its part, also scales up its efforts to diversify income streams.

“I am convinced that we will venture into business-to-business relations by translating our capabilities into commercially compelling new offerings,” the vice-chancellor said.

Naomab further stated that Nust’s new commercial vehicle will move the institution from being technology pioneers to value innovators, as part of efforts geared towards generating income that could be used to offset budget reductions, invest in service improvement and contribute to student wellbeing, teaching and research excellence.

“Fourth stream income will become a reality and improve our financial sustainability,” he said.

Speaking at the same occasion, Nust Council chairperson Florette Nakusera said the university community has confidence in Naomab’s leadership and his sound understanding of changing the higher education landscape in Namibia and globally.

“The Nust Council is confident that in Naomab, we have found a suitable and capable vice-chancellor who will provide academic, strategic and transformational leadership and vision for the university.

We can therefore expect to see him leading the university in implementing its recently approved strategic plan,” said Nakusera.

She further stated that Naomab demonstrated the required senior executive leadership experience in higher education and an understanding of the operations and affairs of a university environment during the interview process.

Prior to his appointment, Naomab served as assistant pro vice-chancellor at the University of Namibia’s (Unam) southern campus.

He holds a PhD from the University of Nottingham and a Master of Research in Strategic Resource Management from Nottingham Trent University, as well as a Bachelor and Master of Science qualifications from Unam.

-Nampa