United in education

In a step towards strengthening Namibia’s higher education landscape, the International University of Management (IUM) and the Namibian College of Open Learning (NAMCOL) have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).Described as more than just a legal document, the agreement signals a shared commitment by the two institutions to broaden access to education, foster innovation, and address national development needs through collaborative initiatives.Speaking at the event, NAMCOL chief executive, Dr Ngepathimo Kadhila, emphasised the long-term vision behind the agreement.“This agreement emerges from months of mutual engagement and careful planning,” he said. “Through staff exchanges and shared professional development, we aim to foster institutional growth, strengthen teaching capacity, and cultivate academic leadership.”Dr Kadhila added that the MoU marks the beginning of a new chapter: “One defined by shared knowledge and a relentless pursuit of educational equity and excellence.”He encouraged stakeholders not only to celebrate the signing but to commit to ensuring the outcomes of this partnership are impactful and tangible in the lives of learners and communities.Speaking at the same event, IUM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Osmund Mwandemele, echoed this sentiment, stressing that the agreement establishes a strong foundation for collaboration.“This MoU enables our institutions to work closely in academic and research collaboration, exchange expertise, and develop initiatives that align with Namibia’s broader educational and socio-economic goals,” he said.Importantly, the MoU sets the stage for future agreements, which will outline joint projects, academic programmes, and financial arrangements. To ensure effective implementation, both institutions have agreed to form a joint committee tasked with overseeing progress and facilitating regular consultations. This subcommittee, comprising representatives from both IUM and NAMCOL, will also seek funding opportunities to support ongoing and future initiatives.Quality assurance, curriculum development, and administrative innovation are among the focal points identified. Through this partnership, both institutions aim to serve communities more effectively—particularly through strengthened regional centres.The IUM–NAMCOL partnership is poised to become a model of institutional cooperation across Namibia, and potentially beyond—advancing not only the academic mission of each institution but the future of Namibian education as a whole.Watch the signing here: https://q.my.na/ZTHY

United in education

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-04

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United in education

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-04

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