The IUM Begins the construction of her new Campus

Laying the bricks of hope .. The Namibian Prime Minister Prime Minister Nahas Angula lays bricks for the new IUM campus. Looking on are from the left Professor Monish, The Registrar Mrs V Namwandi, cde Ben Mulongeni and to the right is Dr David Namwandi the Vice Chancellor

 

From the New Era (Windhoek)

19 August 2008

Frederick Philander
Windhoek

Private education initiatives such as the International University of Management (IUM) are crucial because they complement the Government's efforts of training Namibians hence equipping them with the necessary skills for the development of the country.

Prime Minister Nahas Angula made the remarks on 14 August 2008 as the keynote speaker at the groundbreaking ceremony of IUM. The new university will be constructed at a cost of N$150 million.

Invited guests included diplomats from various foreign missions as well as attended the event which was a milestone in the country's education history. "It is becoming increasingly obvious that for Government to succeed and to realize its Vision 2030, public private partnership needs to be encouraged in all sectors of the economy and services to Namibians. IUM is one such initiative that has found its niche in the market, said the PM.

The institute specializes in ICT, Travel and Tourism, Human Resource Management, Finance Management, Small Business Management as well as HIV/AIDS.

"IUM caters for Namibians especially those from previously disadvantaged backgrounds and provides skills and knowledge that enable them to improve their lot and to play a meaningful role in developing the country. Since its inception the institution has graduated over 1 000 students, most of whom are making an input both in the private and public sectors," he said. IUM has a staff component of 100 and a student enrolment of 1 500.

Hon. Angula observed that IUM not only trains for Namibia , but the region as whole reaching countries in SADC and beyond.

"The country's confidence in IUM has continued to grow over the years as it is becoming more and more evident that it has a niche in the provision of education and skills. Today marks a historic moment for the institution and the commencement of a much-needed and planned-for new campus, said the Prime Minister.

Construction of a campus that will increase student numbers, enhance the quality of service delivery and provide an infrastructure in line with international standards," the Prime Minister said.

He also warned that Namibia and the rest of the world are facing serious economic challenges. "We appreciate that a project if this magnitude is a costly undertaking for any institution, public or private. It is in this light that I wish to appeal to financiers and well-wishers to support the initiative to ensure its success. As a registered organization not for gain, people need to support it. The success of any Namibian project is the success of every Namibian," he said.

He concluded by saying that the Government supports IUM's vision as it believes that the institute is fulfilling a useful role in providing young Namibians and others in the region with opportunities to acquire much needed academic and professional qualifications.