5 November 2024
The Namibia Training Authority (NTA) and University of Namibia (UNAM) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding today, ushering in collaboration between the two entities in a wide array of areas, including research and capacity building, Work-Integrated Learning, qualification development and articulation, as well as infrastructure maintenance.
Signing the agreement on behalf of the NTA, CEO, Mr Erick Fundula Nenghwanya highlighted the importance of generating synergies in the academic, technical, social, cultural, economic and environmental fields.
“A good example is the role trainees from the public vocational training centres under the NTA’s supervision can play in the maintenance and reparation of the University’s physical infrastructure, across the country. It provides UNAM with easy access to such services on the one hand, while for the trainees it is an opportunity to gain practical industrial exposure”, he remarked.
Mr. Nenghwanya also underlined the urgency to find common ground on the articulation of TVET qualifications. “Penning an agreement is one thing; giving effect to the objectives thereof, is another. We need to iron out the detail and the modalities around articulation. It is of utmost importance for those TVET graduates striving for higher-level qualifications”, the CEO shared.
On his part UNAM’s Pro-Vice Chancellor: Academic Affairs, Professor Frednard Gideon described the collaboration as an opportunity for the NTA and UNAM to push boundaries, innovate and ensure that our graduates and trainees emerge ready to lead and inspire in a rapidly changing world.
“As national institutions in the broader education sector, our two institutions have important mandates to fulfil. By aligning our efforts, we can stay abreast of emerging trends, evolving industry needs and demands and ensure that our programmes are relevant and responsive”, he noted.
Echoing Mr. Nenghwanya’s sentiments on the role the VTCs can play in the maintenance of UNAM’s physical infrastructure, Prof. Gideon said his office is going to prioritise specific agreements in this regard. “To now have convenient access to such maintenance services is an encouraging development. The infrastructure at our main campus is aging fast, whereas maintenance work is also required at many of UNAM’s other campuses, across the country”, he shared.
Prof. Gideon stood in for Vice Chancellor, Professor Kenneth Matengu, who attended the official opening of UNAM’s Department of Wildlife Management and Tourism at its Katima Mulilo campus, where the Head of State, President Nangolo Mbumba, officiated.