NUST and University of Warwick Explore Collaborative Partnership
NUST is in talks with the University of Warwick in the United Kingdom (UK) to establish a strategic partnership that will strengthen collaboration in key areas.
Discussions took place during a recent visit to Namibia by Prof Daniel Branch, Warwick’s Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Africa and Academic Director of the Doctoral College.
Joining Forces
The proposed areas of collaboration include joint faculty research initiatives, curriculum development, and shared best practices in teaching and learning. Discussions also covered the development of dual-degree programmes in disciplines such as Business, Engineering, Computer Science and Environmental Sciences, as well as the establishment of an innovation and entrepreneurship hub to support start-ups targeting both African and European markets.
Prof Branch noted that the engagement with NUST took place “against the backdrop of reinforcing Warwick’s commitment to developing deep, strategic relationships across the African continent and reaffirming its place as a truly global university.”
He also served as a guest speaker at NUST’s May graduation ceremony in Windhoek. He addressed graduands from the Faculty of Commerce, Human Sciences and Education.
"Today does not mark the end of your relationship with NUST, but instead, it is the beginning of a new phase. As graduates and alumni, I urge you to make the most of this connection to NUST and to your fellow alumni. Your networks can open doors and offer inspiration and support as you make your careers in a modern, globalised economy. I encourage you to put down the ladder to the generations of students that follow you. Think about what opportunities, mentoring and support you can provide for current and future students at this fine institution,” he encouraged the graduating class.
Prof Branch was accompanied by senior colleagues from Warwick, including Prof Stuart Croft, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University; Prof Franklyn Lisk, Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Africa; Ms Sally Smith, Director of International Strategy and Relations, and Mr Nileshbhai Jayantilal Sachdev, incoming Chairperson of the University of Warwick Council.
A New Warwick Chancellor
The delegation’s visit also aimed to locally celebrate the university’s seventh Chancellor, Advocate Bience Gawanas, who was installed in January this year in the UK.
In addition, a group of 22 alumni who studied at Warwick between 1979 and 1989 were awarded the inaugural Ashton Award in recognition of their contributions to Namibia’s development. Among the recipients was NUST Chancellor Prof Peter Katjavivi, who completed his Master’s in Sociology at Warwick in 1981.
According to Warwick’s Press Office, the award recognises collective action for societal change. Advocate Gawanas accepted the award on behalf of the group, calling it “the height of our collective achievements as students and freedom fighters.”
