Building Academic Bridges: Namibia to Turkey

NUST signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli University (NEVÜ) in Türkiye, marking a new chapter of a strategic partnership. The MoU is aimed at enhancing academic excellence through joint research, student and staff exchange programmes, and innovation-driven collaboration. The focal areas include several priority sectors, such as tourism, agriculture, health, technology, and cultural heritage.

NUST was represented by Prof Colin Stanley, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Partnerships, and Mr Klemens Awarab, the Special Advisor to the Vice-Chancellor. The delegation was received by NEVÜ Rector, Prof Dr Semih Aktekin.

Furthermore, a key focus of the partnership is e-Tourism. NUST’s Hotel School and NEVÜ’s Faculty of Tourism in Cappadocia will launch student and faculty exchange programmes, with English as the medium of instruction. Supported by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), this initiative promotes sustainable and digital tourism education.

In the area of Agricultural Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ATVET), the two institutions are partners in the EU-funded Strengthening Agricultural Sector through ATVET (SAS.ATVET) project. The initiative is designed to enhance vocational training in Namibia. NEVÜ staff have already conducted training workshops in Windhoek for more than 20 local instructors, with plans to co-develop curricula and strengthen youth skills in agribusiness.

Collaboration in health education will focus on joint research and curriculum development in biotechnology and public health. The objective is to address pressing health challenges while building capacity in healthcare technology and disease prevention.
Additional areas of cooperation include Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing, particularly for applications in smart agriculture and land use planning. Both universities will also explore Indigenous Knowledge Management, with initiatives to preserve and digitise cultural heritage through innovative platforms.

This evolving partnership underscores a shared commitment to global citizenship, innovation, and sustainable development positioning NUST and NEVÜ as dynamic institutions driving transformative change in higher education and beyond.