Niikondo takes helm as Nust suspends Naomab
The Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust) council has appointed Professor Andrew Niikondo as acting vice-chancellor to steer the institution through a period of transition, following the precautionary suspension of substantive vice-chancellor, Professor Erold Naomab.
In an internal memorandum dated 8 October 2025, NUST council chairperson Dr Leake Hangala said the move was part of measures to ensure operational stability and leadership continuity while a forensic investigation into allegations of mismanagement is conducted. Alongside Niikondo, Dr Erling Kavita has been named acting deputy vice-chancellor for teaching, learning and technology.
Hangala said the appointment of Niikondo, a seasoned academic and administrator, would help maintain focus on the university’s strategic goals during the investigation period.
“These appointments reflect council’s confidence in the institution’s leadership capacity and our commitment to ensuring uninterrupted progress in all academic and administrative functions,” Hangala said.
He urged staff to remain focused on their duties and assured them that the council’s actions were guided by principles of transparency and accountability.
The changes follow council’s decision to place Naomab on precautionary suspension - a procedural step that, according to Hangala, does not imply any presumption of wrongdoing.
"These decisions were not taken lightly. They reflect the council\'s unwavering commitment to good governance, ethical leadership, and the advancement of its strategic priorities," Hangala said.
The internal memorandum was circulated to all NUST employees yesterday.
In an internal memorandum dated 8 October 2025, NUST council chairperson Dr Leake Hangala said the move was part of measures to ensure operational stability and leadership continuity while a forensic investigation into allegations of mismanagement is conducted. Alongside Niikondo, Dr Erling Kavita has been named acting deputy vice-chancellor for teaching, learning and technology.
Hangala said the appointment of Niikondo, a seasoned academic and administrator, would help maintain focus on the university’s strategic goals during the investigation period.
“These appointments reflect council’s confidence in the institution’s leadership capacity and our commitment to ensuring uninterrupted progress in all academic and administrative functions,” Hangala said.
He urged staff to remain focused on their duties and assured them that the council’s actions were guided by principles of transparency and accountability.
The changes follow council’s decision to place Naomab on precautionary suspension - a procedural step that, according to Hangala, does not imply any presumption of wrongdoing.
"These decisions were not taken lightly. They reflect the council\'s unwavering commitment to good governance, ethical leadership, and the advancement of its strategic priorities," Hangala said.
The internal memorandum was circulated to all NUST employees yesterday.
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