Namibia's NUST Urged to Prepare Graduates for Future Jobs and Industries

Education Minister Sanet Steenkamp has called on the Namibia University of Science and Technology to ensure its academic programs, research priorities, and partnerships respond to the country's present and future needs. This comes as Namibia faces growing demands of emerging technologies and changing economic priorities. Steenkamp emphasized that graduates must not only be prepared for existing jobs but also have the knowledge, adaptability, and problem-solving capabilities to participate in shaping future jobs and industries.

Steenkamp made these remarks during the inaugural meeting of NUST's newly appointed council, where she identified artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and robotics as emerging technologies requiring the university's attention. The council, chaired by Leake Hangala, is responsible for providing strategic leadership and institutional oversight, as well as ensuring good governance at the university. The council's term will run from 2026 to 2029. Patricia Olivier was appointed deputy chairperson.

Steenkamp also pointed to energy, mining, and mineral beneficiation, agriculture and agro-processing, water security and climate adaptation, as well as logistics and transport corridors, as areas where NUST should align its academic strengths with national development priorities. The university's success, she said, should not be measured only through rankings and strategic documents but also through the quality of its graduates, relevant research, innovations, partnerships, and practical contributions to the country's development.

The minister further challenged the institution to ensure that research produces practical solutions for communities, public institutions, and productive sectors. Research, she said, should not remain confined to academic publications or institutional laboratories but contribute to addressing the challenges faced by communities, public institutions, and productive sectors. NUST Vice-Chancellor Professor Frednard Gideon also emphasized the need to prepare students for an evolving economy, including opportunities in green hydrogen, oil and gas, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation.

Hangala said the new council must move the university beyond institutional stabilization towards improved performance and growth. The council will have to prioritize its work and ensure its decisions produce results. Steenkamp also emphasized that expanding access to higher education must be accompanied by the resources needed to help students complete their studies. This includes academic support, infrastructure, qualified staff, learning resources, and student services.

Steenkamp identified NUST's regional presence, including its campuses in Eenhana and Otavi and growing activities in Lüderitz, as an opportunity to bring higher education and skills development closer to communities. However, she cautioned that expansion must be supported by sustainable funding, staffing, and long-term planning. The minister urged the council to exercise effective oversight and ensure that the university remains financially sustainable and accountable.

The minister also emphasized that the ministry expects NUST to demonstrate its contribution to national development through capable graduates, relevant research, technological innovation, and meaningful partnerships. The council must prioritize the outstanding work to bring financial reporting up to date. With these measures in place, NUST can produce graduates equipped to shape the jobs and industries of tomorrow.

Key points

• NUST must prepare students for jobs and industries that do not yet exist.
• The university should align its academic strengths with national development priorities.
• Research should produce practical solutions for communities, public institutions, and productive sectors.