Unam blasts budget cuts

University of Namibia vice-chancellor Lazarus Hangula says budget cuts imposed by the central government will greatly affect the institution's mandate to contribute towards the attainment of national goals. His concerns were expressed in a speech read on his behalf by the vice-chancellor for administration, finance and resource mobilisation, Ellen Namhila, at the official opening of the Unam campuses. “The systematic regressive cuts of up to 40% in Unam's budget are tantamount to killing by asphyxia of this national university whatever the real reasons may be,” he said. “Where are we expected to go from here? Have we rescinded on our national promises of Vision 2030? Or how can a national university be repeatedly urged to make visceral cuts on programmes that are fundamental to setting the enabling stage for the human and material resources for Vision 2030?” In January, Unam announced that it had frozen the recruitment of new staff. Vacancies and new positions, including those that had already been approved, were also put on hold as the government tightened the purse strings. The university also announced that no part-time staff may be hired without the approval of the vice-chancellor. Hangula said three years ago, Unam had about 21 000 students and received N$1.1 billion to upgrade its infrastructure. The student population has now grown to 24 000 students from nearly 40 countries. He said the university had received a budget allocation of only N$600 million for the current financial year. Meanwhile, student leaders have called on Unam to build a hostel at the Oshakati campus. The plea was made by Unam Student Representative Council (SRC) president Joseph Kalimbwe in a speech read on his behalf by Hifikepunye Pohamba campus SRC vice-president Shihepo Jafet. “Every year we are haunted by the pain faced by the students at Oshakati campus who for the past 18 years have never known the comfort of having a hostel facility… We want to see the construction of hostels at Oshakati begin,” Kalimbwe said. The plea was echoed by other SRC members at the Oshakati campus who held placards demanding hostels. Kalimbwe said following an increase in the hostel breakage fee this year, the students expected improvement in the hostel facilities at all Unam campuses. “We will not accept a situation where contractors come to renovate our hostels, put in Chinese products and leave them worse than before,” Kalimbwe said. Kalimbwe highlighted numerous challenges faced by students during the registration process and examinations. “To all the lecturers who take pride in victimising our students with threats, I want you to know that your time is up. Should you continue to laugh and mock at our students for asking why you don't have consultation hours, we will send you home,” the statement read. The SRC also called on students to take their studies seriously and never give up. “To all my fellow students in the stands, I want you to study hard this academic year. What lies ahead will not be easy. It will take a while for us to overcome our challenges. We are Unam students, we never give up. We uplift each other up when times are hard,” Kalimbwe said. Hangula said lack of adequate infrastructure was a big stumbling block that restricted the number of students enrolled at the university. Unam will be celebrating its silver jubilee in August.KENYA KAMBOWE

Unam blasts budget cuts

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-03-07

Please login to leave a comment

Unam blasts budget cuts

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-03-07

Please login to leave a comment

Login