Polytechnic of Namibia To Become University of Technology

Polytechnic of Namibia

THE Polytechnic of Namibia (PoN) will be transformed into the University of Science and Technology in June this year.

PoN vice rector of Academic and Student Affairs Andrew Nikondo made the announcement during an industry consultative meeting hosted by the Polytechnic in the capital on Friday.

He said the Education Act will have to be amended to accommodate the change of name.

Nikondo said the Bill is currently with the Law Reform Commission and will be up for public discussion later. From there it will go to Parliament for amendment, then to the House of Review - the National Council - and back to Parliament before President Hifikepunye Pohamba signs it into an Act.

He noted that the Act will also have to be amended to change the titles of rector and vice rector to chancellor and vice chancellor.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Education David Namwandi earlier this month urged the nation to embrace the transformation of the PoN into the University of Science and Technology.

He said that through its transformation, the PoN will intensify the training of Namibians in order for them to face the challenges of rapid modernisation, competition and globalisation.

"It is the expectation of our government that this institution, being science and technology oriented, instills in students' minds that innovation and acquisition/creation of new knowledge and technologies is the way to go," said the minister.