University of Science and Technology - NUST NUST Namibia An award-winning university @NUST_Namibia • Rated Best Higher Education Institution in Namibia (PMR since 2002) The Tech www.nust.na • Rated Most Innovative Institution in Namibia (PMR 2014, 2016) Official Weekly Newsletter of NUST 30 September 2020 NUST and UNAM sign Memorandum of Understanding

The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), and the University of Namibia (UNAM), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) recently. The agreement will see the two institutions collaborating in various areas to the benefit of students, staff and the Namibian nation at large.

The parameters of this MoU vary in scope objectives are to reduce duplication and and levels of implementation. It will be redundancy, gain access to NSFAF funding, at discipline level - computer science, recruit international students, engage in engineering, medicine; at the level of service advanced research, and utilise high-cost provision - libraries, science laboratories; facilities,” remarked Dr , and at institutional level - research NUST Acting Vice-Chancellor. corporation and quality assurance. NUST and UNAM already have existing joint This MoU will enable the two universities collaborations in areas such as agriculture to share resources and to sustain high- therefore, this MoU is an extension of this cost programmes and facilities, strengthen partnership. constituent services, and penetrate new “We also have collaboration related to markets. innovation such as the partnership with “In some instances, the national and the Namibia Business Innovation Institute international funding agencies encourage in manufacturing of respirators and surgical strong partnerships among local universities masks. We encourage more projects in as evidence of economic collaboration product development and market place to eliminate unneeded expenditures innovation,” said Prof Kenneth Matengu, and achieve economies of scale and cost the UNAM Vice-Chancellor. savings. In these cases, our collaboration Prof Kenneth Matengu, UNAM Vice-Chancellor (left) and Dr Andrew Niikondo, NUST Acting Vice-Chancellor. Where are they now? Broadening the Scope of Research ...catching up with NUST Alumni Over 400 international delegates representing over 13 countries attended the Annual Southern African Research and Innovation Management Association (SARIMA) Conference, which was held organisations. In modern day business, the last month. The event was held virtually for the first time. need for fast and sharp business decision- making is becoming paramount to business Countries that were represented at the the entire continuum of research through to efficacy,” he said confidently. conference included, Namibia, South , innovation and technology transfer,” said Dr However, a few years ago, Hashili was not , , , , USA, UK, Matros-Goreses. the exceptional performer that he is today. China, , , Switzerland, Ireland, NUST staff members from the Projects He attended primary and high school in France. Whilst the COVID-19 pandemic Services Unit and the Library Services hosted Grootfontein, where he received a number has presented many challenges in many a number of sessions. of accolades from Grade 8 to 10. However, circumstances, it gave the organisers a The topics included: Research Capacity in Grade 11, he gave in to peer pressure, and unique opportunity to test the waters and Architecture Development through Strategic started drinking alcohol which derailed his go virtual. Internships based on the EU funded performance. Nevertheless, he eventually The Conference is a yearly opportunity for Strengthening of Collaboration, Leadership pulled up his socks, set goals for himself, and Research Management and Innovation and Professionalisation in Research now he is determined to reach for the sky professionals to network share their Management in SADC and EU Higher and beyond. experiences and keep abreast with the latest Education Institutions project; Research Data When asked about his perception about developments in the field. Management Systems; Core Skills needed in NUST, Hashili simply said “this is the best This year’s theme was ‘From Support to an Office of Research Support; Research Strategy to Impact – Broadening the Scope Grant Administration; Community Impact University in Namibia,” adding that “the of Research and Innovation Management’. of Research; and Open Access Publishing – Institution’s systematic approach to Dr Anna Matros-Goreses, the Director of Opportunities and Challenges. dispatching knowledge is exceptional. The Project Services at NUST, was the Chair for The conference achieved its purpose of experience is not merely about classroom the conference organisation. networking and sharing of cutting-edge affairs. NUST was a good friend from day “The conference provided interesting and information. Hosea Hashili, NUST Alumnus. one to graduation day,” he said nostalgically. exciting insights and lessons that could be It was made possible by an innovative According to the Hashili, one of the best used in the further development of the field. organising committee and the SARIMA Four years into his career as a Civil benefits while studying at at the Institution Engineering Technician at the Namibia Water In contrast to other years, this time, the management team, under the guidance was that it sufficiently prepared him for his Corporation, Hosea Hashili, has no regrets for conference had one integrated track covering of a renowned South African conferencing career. “The industry integrated learning choosing this career path. He graduated with a range of topics , which allowed for insightful company known as Conference Partner. course was of immense benefit, as theory a Bachelor of Civil Engineering ‘Cum Laude,’ and diverse knowledge sharing throughout in 2019 at NUST. alone is not enough to step with into the industry,” he said. “NUST’s system of hiring “After completing my Engineering degree lecturers from the industry assisted me at NUST, I decided not to take a breather, immensely with a smooth entry into the real Next @ NUST but to continue with my academic journey. world” he added. Wednesday, 30 September 2020 This time around, I branched into the Hashili advises high school students looking Applications for 2021 admissions closing date. Enquiries: [email protected] or call 061 field of business management at another into furthering their tertiary education in 202 2056 institution to diversify my skills set,” he Namibia to choose NUST, especially in fields Monday, 05 October 2020 said. I am currently enrolled in an Master related to science. “If you want to pursue Semester 2 classes begin, for all except Faculty of Engineering which begins on Monday, of Business Administration (Management studies in hard-core science (engineering, 19 October 2020 Strategy) programme. I made this call after computer science, etc.) then is possibly your Thursday, 22 - Friday, 23 October 2020 noticing how the gap between technical best option. However, make sure you go fields and management continues to hinder there armed with overflowing commitment Forth Innovation Method online workshop (ZOOM). Enquiries: Mr Hasekiel Johannes, [email protected] smooth consensual decision-making in and dedication,” he cautioned.

2020 NUST Theme: Innovation for Economic Revitalisation