Unam says student relocations ‘carefully managed’ and temporary
The University of Namibia (Unam) has refuted claims of evicting students from campus residences. This follows widespread concern and public appeals from students saying they face a sudden relocation order ahead of the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Youth Games.
The university says the temporary relocation of 38 of its 1 525 hostel residents is a "carefully managed" measure necessitated by urgent renovations and Namibia's responsibility as host of the regional sporting event, scheduled for 4 to 13 July.
Unam spokesperson Simon Namesho, in a written response to Namibian Sun, firmly rejected the term “eviction,” emphasising that the affected students are being temporarily relocated and not removed from university housing.
“The decision was made following a careful review of the academic calendar and in consultation with the student representative council (SRC),” Namesho explained.
He added that students currently writing exams are prioritised for alternative accommodation, which includes meals, transport, WiFi and security. Storage facilities for personal belongings are also being provided.
“These arrangements will remain in place for the full duration of the examination period,” he added. “All official communication has been directed to the affected students and student leaders, outlining the reasons for the relocation, the support available, and the timelines involved."
He said the university is committed "to ensuring that no student is left without accommodation or necessary resources during this period.”
Timing and communication
Despite the university’s reassurances, many students and their representatives remain unsettled by the timing of the relocations, which are scheduled for Wednesday, 12 June, during the ongoing examination season.
In a press statement issued Monday evening, the SRC confirmed receipt of Unam's official response to a petition submitted on 8 June. The petition had raised concerns about the impact of the relocation on student welfare and academic performance.
“While we acknowledge management’s affirmation that no student will be evicted, we remain steadfast in our belief that progress must never be pursued at the expense of student well-being,” the SRC noted.
The student council welcomed the university’s commitment to fully cover the costs of relocation but stressed that “mental focus, safety, and academic continuity” must remain central to any logistical decisions.
Signed by SRC secretary general Anna Mary Ashipala and vice-president Lesley Shetukana, the statement called on university authorities to act with “timely action and full transparency.”
Awaiting detailed plan
According to the SRC, the university has committed to submitting a comprehensive plan by today, detailing the scope and timeline of the renovations, the specific hostels and students affected, and the academic safeguards being put in place.
The student leadership said it would scrutinise the plan for any shortcomings that could cause logistical, psychological or academic distress to affected students.
“Students deserve to be kept informed – not just after decisions are made, but while they are still being shaped,” the SRC said, reaffirming its commitment to “fearless representation” and the protection of student interests.
The university says the temporary relocation of 38 of its 1 525 hostel residents is a "carefully managed" measure necessitated by urgent renovations and Namibia's responsibility as host of the regional sporting event, scheduled for 4 to 13 July.
Unam spokesperson Simon Namesho, in a written response to Namibian Sun, firmly rejected the term “eviction,” emphasising that the affected students are being temporarily relocated and not removed from university housing.
“The decision was made following a careful review of the academic calendar and in consultation with the student representative council (SRC),” Namesho explained.
He added that students currently writing exams are prioritised for alternative accommodation, which includes meals, transport, WiFi and security. Storage facilities for personal belongings are also being provided.
“These arrangements will remain in place for the full duration of the examination period,” he added. “All official communication has been directed to the affected students and student leaders, outlining the reasons for the relocation, the support available, and the timelines involved."
He said the university is committed "to ensuring that no student is left without accommodation or necessary resources during this period.”
Timing and communication
Despite the university’s reassurances, many students and their representatives remain unsettled by the timing of the relocations, which are scheduled for Wednesday, 12 June, during the ongoing examination season.
In a press statement issued Monday evening, the SRC confirmed receipt of Unam's official response to a petition submitted on 8 June. The petition had raised concerns about the impact of the relocation on student welfare and academic performance.
“While we acknowledge management’s affirmation that no student will be evicted, we remain steadfast in our belief that progress must never be pursued at the expense of student well-being,” the SRC noted.
The student council welcomed the university’s commitment to fully cover the costs of relocation but stressed that “mental focus, safety, and academic continuity” must remain central to any logistical decisions.
Signed by SRC secretary general Anna Mary Ashipala and vice-president Lesley Shetukana, the statement called on university authorities to act with “timely action and full transparency.”
Awaiting detailed plan
According to the SRC, the university has committed to submitting a comprehensive plan by today, detailing the scope and timeline of the renovations, the specific hostels and students affected, and the academic safeguards being put in place.
The student leadership said it would scrutinise the plan for any shortcomings that could cause logistical, psychological or academic distress to affected students.
“Students deserve to be kept informed – not just after decisions are made, but while they are still being shaped,” the SRC said, reaffirming its commitment to “fearless representation” and the protection of student interests.
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