Namwandi spits fire at IUM detractors
At the inauguration of the N$45 million state-of-the-art Eenhana IUM campus, International University of Management (IUM) founder David Namwandi dismissed claims that the institution has relied on public funds, insisting that no taxpayer money or donor funding was ever used to establish or maintain the institution.
Income to the university in the form of student loans cannot be used used to advance that argument, as such payments are for services rendered by IUM, the former education minister said.
Namwandi highlighted IUM’s growth from a humble vision in 1994 into a nationally and internationally recognised institution, despite facing criticism over the years.
"Who could have ever imagined that a humble local dream could develop into a major force to be reckoned with? An institution with state-of-the-art infrastructure—all this with zero public state capital or international donor injection," he stated.
Namwandi’s remarks were interpreted by some attendees as a subtle jab at the government for its lack of financial support towards IUM.
He further emphasised that, despite initial opposition and criticism, the university has remained committed to providing quality education. "We use our mere meagre resources to do what we have done. We are determined to achieve that vision—to mould and train as many Namibians as we can without diluting the standard of our education," he said.
Namwandi also addressed past scepticism about IUM’s credibility, recalling that some graduates hesitated to acknowledge their qualifications from the institution. "There were times when nobody wanted to be associated with us. Ironically, today, everyone wants to be seen as having contributed to any success that has been scored by IUM," he remarked.
He asserted that efforts to discredit the institution would not succeed, adding, "The Almighty God is on our side, and he will continue to vindicate us. The institution will continue to fulfil its vision for future generations of this beautiful nation and beyond."
Among the key dignitaries at the event were Ohangwena governor Sebastian Ndeitunga and Ondonga Traditional Authority leader Omukwaniilwa Fillemon Shuumbwa Nangolo.
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Income to the university in the form of student loans cannot be used used to advance that argument, as such payments are for services rendered by IUM, the former education minister said.
Namwandi highlighted IUM’s growth from a humble vision in 1994 into a nationally and internationally recognised institution, despite facing criticism over the years.
"Who could have ever imagined that a humble local dream could develop into a major force to be reckoned with? An institution with state-of-the-art infrastructure—all this with zero public state capital or international donor injection," he stated.
Namwandi’s remarks were interpreted by some attendees as a subtle jab at the government for its lack of financial support towards IUM.
He further emphasised that, despite initial opposition and criticism, the university has remained committed to providing quality education. "We use our mere meagre resources to do what we have done. We are determined to achieve that vision—to mould and train as many Namibians as we can without diluting the standard of our education," he said.
Namwandi also addressed past scepticism about IUM’s credibility, recalling that some graduates hesitated to acknowledge their qualifications from the institution. "There were times when nobody wanted to be associated with us. Ironically, today, everyone wants to be seen as having contributed to any success that has been scored by IUM," he remarked.
He asserted that efforts to discredit the institution would not succeed, adding, "The Almighty God is on our side, and he will continue to vindicate us. The institution will continue to fulfil its vision for future generations of this beautiful nation and beyond."
Among the key dignitaries at the event were Ohangwena governor Sebastian Ndeitunga and Ondonga Traditional Authority leader Omukwaniilwa Fillemon Shuumbwa Nangolo.
[email protected]
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