{"id":11555,"date":"2025-02-11T14:21:10","date_gmt":"2025-02-11T12:21:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.unam.edu.na\/?page_id=11555"},"modified":"2025-02-17T14:31:25","modified_gmt":"2025-02-17T12:31:25","slug":"drsamsnujomatribute","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.unam.edu.na\/?page_id=11555","title":{"rendered":"HE Dr Sam S Nujoma Tribute"},"content":{"rendered":"
[vc_section][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Tribute to HE Dr Sam S Nujoma” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:center” css=””][vc_custom_heading text=”UNAM\u2019s Founding Chancellor and Architect of Higher Education in Namibia” font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:18|text_align:center|color:%23DA291C” css=”.vc_custom_1739552081030{margin-top: 14px !important;margin-bottom: 8px !important;}”][vc_custom_heading text=”12 May 1929 – 08 February 2025″ font_container=”tag:h4|font_size:16|text_align:center” css=”.vc_custom_1739280102951{margin-bottom: 36px !important;}”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”” el_class=”nujomaPic”]\"\"[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]The University of Namibia (UNAM) joins the nation in mourning the passing of H.E. Dr. Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma<\/strong>, Namibia\u2019s Founding President, Father of the Nation, and the inaugural Chancellor of UNAM<\/strong> from April 1993 to 2011<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

His dedication to education as a tool for liberation and national development laid the foundation for Namibia\u2019s premier university, shaping it into the formidable institution it is today.<\/p>\n

A visionary leader in higher education<\/h4>\n

Dr. Nujoma\u2019s vision for higher education<\/strong> was clear from the onset of Namibia\u2019s independence \u2013 education was to be a key driver of national progress. His lifelong belief in education<\/strong> was not just rhetoric, he led by example, earning his Master of Science (MSc) degree in Geology<\/strong> from UNAM in 2009<\/strong> after four years of rigorous study and research.<\/p>\n

As Founding Chancellor, he played a symbolic yet crucial role in the establishment of UNAM<\/strong>, presiding over its first graduation ceremony in April 1993<\/strong>, where he was officially installed alongside the first Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Peter Katjavivi<\/strong>. His presence and leadership inspired confidence in Namibia\u2019s new public university<\/strong>, ensuring that UNAM would be accessible, inclusive, and impactful.<\/p>\n

\u201cI see the University of Namibia as a centre of higher learning, served by dedicated men and women of quality, and producing graduates determined to uplift the standard of living of our people. I see the University of Namibia taking its rightful place in Southern Africa in particular, and Africa in general, and the world at large, and making its contribution in every area of the body of knowledge\u201d.
\n\u2013 H.E. Dr. Sam S. Nujoma \u2013 23 April 1993, during his installation as Chancellor<\/b><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Expansion and Transformation: From a small academy to a national institution<\/h4>\n

Under his tenure as Chancellor, UNAM expanded from a single campus<\/strong> in Windhoek to a nationwide institution<\/strong>, ensuring that higher education was accessible to Namibians from all walks of life.<\/p>\n

His leadership saw the integration of Neudamm and Ogongo Agricultural Colleges (2008)<\/strong>, as well as the Education Colleges<\/strong> into UNAM in 2011<\/strong>, strengthening the University\u2019s focus on agriculture, teacher education, and vocational training<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

He also spearheaded the expansion of infrastructure, laying foundation stones for major campus buildings<\/strong>, including:<\/p>\n