University of Namibia


The University of Namibia is the largest university in Namibia. It was established by an act of Parliament on 31 August 1992.

Background

UNAM comprises the following faculties and schools:
Ranked within the Top 30 of tertiary institutions on the continent in the past 10 years, UNAM is one of the best universities in Africa. The University of Namibia is the only institution in the world to offer a doctorate in the study of the Khoekhoe language.

Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology

The Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology was founded on 1 January 2008 following the dissolution of the Department of Engineering and Technology, which had existed under the Faculty of Science since 2000. Sam Nujoma, the first President of Namibia and then-Chancellor of the University conducted the groundbreaking ceremony at Ongwediva on 17 November 2007. The ceremony took place on a 13-hectare plot of land that had been donated to UNAM by the Ongwediva Town Council.
In January 2008, the National Planning Commission approved funding for the construction of phase 1 of the new Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology in Ongwediva. Construction work began in April 2008 with emphasis on lecture rooms, staff offices, laboratories, IT facilities, student hostels, staff houses and other support facilities. The completion of these facilities enabled the first batch of students to be admitted in the FOET.

Academics

Notable academics at the University of Namibia have included Bience Gawanas, former Ombudsperson, Professor Nico Horn, André du Pisani, Lazarus Hangula, Dorian Haarhoff, Elizabeth Amukugo, Job Amupanda and Günter Heimbeck.

Marks scandal

There are reports that UNAM's lecturers have been exchanging marks for sexual favors from students and exchanging completed assignment for money. This has resulted in serious academic degradation. Investigating and combating such illegal practices has become an important priority for the Namibian government and UNAM management.

Notable alumni

The University of Namibia has produced several notable and famous public individuals since its founding, including: