More than a signature on paper
The Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust) and the Namibian College of Open Learning (Namcol) have committed to co-operate in joint projects that ensure benefits for stakeholders of both institutions through signing a memorandum of understanding on Wednesday.
Ester Kamati
This collaboration will be in various areas of mutual interest for both parties including areas of quality assurance, joint research and joint programme development as explained by Anneli Willemse, the acting director of quality assurance at Nust during the event. “In the long-term, this MoU is not just an educational corporation but also a contribution to forging good working relations and creating new networking opportunities,” she added.
Namcol’s CEO, Heroldt Murangi, shared that the relationship between Namcol and Nust did not start with this MoU, but dates back to August 2009, when Namcol proposed that the then Polytechnic recognise their communications course and allow students who have done this course to be exempted for English courses at the institution, which was approved on that same day and is currently still in place. “Gone are those days when we were competing,” said Murangi, who further explained that being funded by the same government, resources need to be shared. Furthermore, he aims to keep track of the progress made and said that “this initiative will be meaningless unless it is reinforced with deliberate efforts to promote this partnership”.
Mornè du Toit, Nust acting vice chancellor, shared that the two institutions are “already tapping from each other in terms of involvement of staff” through joint question papers, among other things. He added that through this, the institutions mutually contribute to the national development goals.
“Creating a collaborative education environment can build a community of caring individuals who collaborate towards one common goal, increasing positive student outcomes.” He added that regardless of the size of the institutions, there is a need to hold hands and build and nurture a culture of working together.
This collaboration will be in various areas of mutual interest for both parties including areas of quality assurance, joint research and joint programme development as explained by Anneli Willemse, the acting director of quality assurance at Nust during the event. “In the long-term, this MoU is not just an educational corporation but also a contribution to forging good working relations and creating new networking opportunities,” she added.
Namcol’s CEO, Heroldt Murangi, shared that the relationship between Namcol and Nust did not start with this MoU, but dates back to August 2009, when Namcol proposed that the then Polytechnic recognise their communications course and allow students who have done this course to be exempted for English courses at the institution, which was approved on that same day and is currently still in place. “Gone are those days when we were competing,” said Murangi, who further explained that being funded by the same government, resources need to be shared. Furthermore, he aims to keep track of the progress made and said that “this initiative will be meaningless unless it is reinforced with deliberate efforts to promote this partnership”.
Mornè du Toit, Nust acting vice chancellor, shared that the two institutions are “already tapping from each other in terms of involvement of staff” through joint question papers, among other things. He added that through this, the institutions mutually contribute to the national development goals.
“Creating a collaborative education environment can build a community of caring individuals who collaborate towards one common goal, increasing positive student outcomes.” He added that regardless of the size of the institutions, there is a need to hold hands and build and nurture a culture of working together.
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