Unam bigwigs lead NUST VC race

The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) is closing in on the appointment of a new vice-chancellor (VC), with insiders close to the recruitment process indicating that two prominent academics – both with deep ties to the University of Namibia (Unam) – have emerged as leading candidates.

The NUST governing council re-advertised the position to widen the recruitment pool after then-incumbent, Erold Naomab, was informed that his contract would not be renewed when it lapsed on 31 December 2025.

Well-placed sources told Namibian Sun that Professor Frednard Gideon and Professor Anicia Peters are the names generating the most attention within the institution.

NUST council chairperson Dr Leake Hangala confirmed that the recruitment process is nearing completion, but declined to provide further details.

“The process will finish soon, and we will inform the public about its outcome. At the moment, I cannot divulge information – it would be unethical to do so,” Hangala said.

Following Naomab’s suspension in October 2025, the university appointed Professor Andrew Niikondo as acting vice-chancellor and Dr Erling Kavita as acting deputy vice-chancellor for teaching, learning and technology to ensure continuity and operational stability.

Gideon’s second bite at the cherry

For Gideon, the potential appointment would mark unfinished business. When Naomab was appointed NUST VC in 2020, Gideon – then Unam’s pro-vice chancellor for academic affairs – challenged the decision in court, arguing that he had outperformed his rival and had been recommended by the interview panel.

Court records showed that Gideon scored 68% in quantitative assessments compared to Naomab’s 64%, but the High Court ultimately dismissed his application.

At the time, the university accused Gideon of misrepresenting aspects of his academic record, including the number of postgraduate students he had supervised and his publication output – allegations he strongly denied.

More than four years later, Gideon has re-emerged as a leading contender.

He remains Unam’s pro-vice chancellor for academic affairs, where he has championed flexible learning pathways and academic excellence across campuses.

A Unam graduate, Gideon holds a PhD in applied mathematics from North-West University and an MSc from Rhodes University. He made history in 2017 as the first Namibian appointed to the pro-vice chancellor for academic affairs position at the institution.

Contacted for comment, Gideon said he could not respond at this stage.

“I am the presiding officer at the graduation ceremony at the Katima Mulilo campus and cannot comment now. I have not received the information you are referring to,” he said.

Peters’ tech-driven profile

Peters presents a different profile, combining experience across academia, government and international research. She previously served as Unam’s pro-vice chancellor for research, innovation and development and currently leads the National Commission of Research, Science and Technology (NCRST) as CEO.

She also holds an adjunct research professorship at Unam.

She previously chaired Namibia’s Presidential Task Force on the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

A former Polytechnic of Namibia (now NUST) student, Peters graduated cum laude before completing her MSc and PhD in human-computer interaction at Iowa State University in the United States. In 2015, she became the first Namibian dean at NUST, leading the faculty of computing and informatics – making a potential appointment something of a homecoming.

She has produced over 90 research outputs, holds an H-index of 17, and has received international recognition, including the Google Inclusion Award in 2020 and a Google AI research grant in 2021.

Peters could not be reached for comment.

Naomab makes return bid

In a further twist, former VC Naomab has also reapplied for the position, despite having been asked to vacate the office.

Naomab was suspended in October 2025 over alleged mismanagement, including a N$700 000 legal fee claim linked to his contract renewal. He was placed on precautionary suspension pending a forensic investigation, and his contract expired while he was still suspended.

He had reportedly sought a renewal of his contract but was advised by council to reapply once the position was advertised.