N$10m for UNAM Walvis Bay campus

The University of Namibia (UNAM) has welcomed a N$10 million pledge from Custos Energy, through the Knowledge Katti Foundation, towards the construction of its planned Walvis Bay campus.

The contribution, announced on 1 October, is conditional on the completion of Custos Energy’s agreement with Chevron affiliate Harmattan Energy Limited, subject to the required government, regulatory and third-party approvals.

The campus will house UNAM’s School of Maritime Science and Engineering, with departments covering Navigation, Marine Engineering, and Safety, Health and Environment.

UNAM Vice-Chancellor Prof Kenneth Matengu said the pledge brings the university closer to establishing a campus where students can train “within sight of the ports and industries they will one day serve”.

The school has already secured Senate approval for degrees in Maritime Navigation and Marine Engineering (Honours), designed around international seafaring standards.

UNAM said it expects formal confirmation of the campus land from the Walvis Bay Municipality by 9 October, after which design and construction work will begin. UPDATE: Desmarius Hansen