IUM is growing by leaps and bounds

The International University of Management (IUM) is growing at a rapid pace, both in terms of infrastructure and staff. The Vice-Chancellor of IUM, Virginia Namwandi, said at the academic opening last week that the institution is in the final stages of a curriculum review that will see exciting adjustments in the current programmes. Namwandi said many successes were achieved last year, including development and approval of new programmes in the field of nursing, education leadership and management as well as public policy and management. “The much-anticipated MBA [course] was also approved by the Namibia Qualifications Authority (NQA) and I am proud to say that these programmes are already being rolled out. Their demand during the ongoing registration is very encouraging and is an indication that IUM continues to provide relevant programmes.” Namwandi said a master’s degree in HIV and an honours degree in digital communication technology (DCT) were also registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). She said the exercise to expand their existing programmes up to master’s and doctorate level is also at an advanced stage, with a number of them having been submitted to the NQA. Infrastructure growth is also evident, as last year saw the completion of a lecture hall with a capacity of 400 students at the Dorado Park campus. “This will go a long way in complementing the existing lecture space,” she said. “The first hostel block which will house 173 female students has also just been completed and will open its doors to the first batch of student on March 1,” she announced. Also under construction at the Dorado Park campus is a building housing lecture halls and offices, which will be able to seat a total of 1 200 students at a time. Namwandi said at the Ongwediva campus, the construction of an additional 400-seat lecture hall is also nearing completion. “On our Walvis Bay and Swakopmund campuses, additional lecture space has been acquired to cater for the ever-growing student population.” She said this growth is no coincidence but the result of careful planning to ensure that IUM continues to be the top provider of quality, relevant education and training. Namwandi further cautioned female students at IUM not to fall pregnant while studying. “I am a mother and grandmother, and I know what I am talking about. Let me assure you that should you fall pregnant it is you, the mothers of the babies, who will carry the greater part of the burden. Be wise. If you think sending the baby home to the village will be a solution, you are mistaken. Even if the baby is far away from you, you still carry the responsibility for that child and your studies will inevitably be disrupted,” she advised. She told female students who are already pregnant to get in touch with the dean of students immediately to get advice. Male students were also urged to focus on their studies.