Hepute to steer NUST’s Otavi campus as agricultural centre of excellence

The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) has appointed Dr Venaune Hepute as head of its agricultural campus in Otavi, the university said in a statement.

He brings more than 16 years of experience in academia, research, project management, operational management and stakeholder engagement to the role.

His appointment comes at a significant time for the university, following a recent decision by the NUST Council to relocate the agricultural campus from Rienfontein to Otavi in the Otjozondjupa region. The move forms part of a broader institutional strategy aimed at expanding access to higher education, supporting national development priorities and fostering innovation ecosystems.

Hepute brings a diverse professional background to the institution, having served in key roles at the Namibian Agronomic Board and the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry, in addition to his work as a lecturer in soil science at NUST.

His academic qualifications include a PhD and a master’s degree in sustainable agriculture from the University of the Free State in South Africa, as well as a bachelor’s degree in agricultural management from NUST.

He is also currently pursuing a master’s degree in leadership and change management at the university.

His experience spans contributions to national agricultural initiatives, participation in international training programmes, and the authorship of several research publications, reflecting his commitment to both academic excellence and industry relevance.

In his new role, Hepute will provide both strategic and operational leadership for the agricultural campus, with a focus on delivering high-quality academic programmes within a student-centred environment.

“I view this appointment as a significant responsibility but also a great opportunity to strengthen technical capacity building and advance a modern, technology-driven agricultural campus that delivers impactful research, purposeful teaching and learning, and sustainable agribusiness outcomes for Namibia and beyond,” he said.

Describing his appointment as “an honour", Hepute emphasised that the agricultural campus is strategically positioned in alignment with the university's objective of being a leading institution rooted in technology and innovation. He further assured that the transition to Otavi will prioritise continuity in teaching, learning, and research projects.

Looking ahead, he envisions the campus as a technical and technological centre of excellence, promoting practical agricultural training alongside cutting-edge research in areas such as digital agronomy, horticulture, and livestock.