Page 5 - UNAM Executive Annual Report 2018

The University of

Namibia at a Glance

The University of Namibia was established in 1992 by an Act of Parliament, Act No.18 of 1992. The mandate of
the University, as per the University Act, is “to provide higher education, to undertake research, to advance
and disseminate knowledge, to provide extension services, to encourage the growth and nurturing of cultural
expression within the context of the Namibian society, to further training and continuing education, to contribute
to the social and economic development of Namibia, and to foster relationships with any person or institution,
both nationally and internationally.”

The University, as per the Act, is constituted of a Chancellor, Council, Senate, Vice-Chancellor, Pro-Vice
Chancellors, Academic and Professional staff, and students. The current Chancellor is His Excellency Dr. Nangolo
Mbumba, Vice-President of the Republic of Namibia. The Chancellor is the titular head of the University. The
governance and executive authority of the University, according to the University Act, is vested in Council.
The Senate on the other hand, is vested with the powers on academic matters. Professor Kenneth Matengu
following his appointment as Vice-Chancellor in June 2018, assumed office on 1 August 2018, succeeding
Professor Lazarus Hangula who has been at the helm of the University as Vice-Chancellor since 2004. The Vice-
Chancellor is the Chief Executive Officer of the University, and provides strategic leadership on academic and
administrative matters.

The University has grown rapidly since its establishment, and hosts the highest concentration of brainpower in
Namibia. The institution undertakes and produces high-level research with impact on society. The University
remains relevant in responding to the national and global development goals, providing human capital and
research findings required to inform public policy and practice. As a result of its reputation, the University has
established national and international links to advance joint curriculum development, joint research, and staff
and student exchanges across its 12 campuses spread throughout the country.

The high-level statements of the University are:

Vision
“To be a beacon of excellence and innovation through teaching, research , and community services.”

Mission
“The University of Namibia strives to provide quality higher education through teaching, research,
innovation and community service to our customers with the view to develop productive and
competitive human resources capable of creating and driving public and private institutions
towards a knowledge-based economy, economic growth and improved quality of life.”

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