Presenting his presentation during the event, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching, Learning and Technology, Dr Andrew Niikondo, explained that a strategic merge of some Faculties and Departments were made. “We can only build a vibrant and engaging learning environment through the development and revision of programmes to meet the demands of the 21st century,” he elaborated. Where NUST previously had six Faculties, it now only has four, namely the Faculty of Computing and Informatics; Faculty of Commerce, Human Sciences and Education; Faculty of Engineering and Spatial Sciences; and the Faculty of Health, Applied Sciences and Natural Resources.
Acting Deputy Vice-Chancelor: Research, Innovation and Partnerships, Dr Colin Stanley also introduced to the audience a new concept called Technovation, which entails the development of new ideas, products, services, and processes through the exploitation of technology. This falls in line with the institution’s second goal of Leading Research, Innovation, Partnership and Entrepreneurship.
The Hi-Tech Transfer Plaza Select (HTTPS) was officially inaugurated last year in mid- July. The aim of the building is to improve the competitiveness through trans-disciplinary research co-creation, co-development, application and transfer of specialised knowledge and technology. “Objectives of the HTTPS is mainly to craft research talents, foster ICT incubation, share best practice and advance research, convene stakeholders, and to provide thought leadership,” Dr Stanley explained.
With the 4th Industrial Revolution upon us, Dr Stanley emphasised NUST’s role to contribute towards Namibia’s digital readiness. “We want to ensure that the young population is equipped with the necessary skills to leverage on big data, digital innovations and disruptive technology,” he elaborated.