Professor Mechanical Engineering

Faculty of Engineering and the built Environment

Inaugural Lecture Title

Engineering Innovation for Sustainable Development: Bridging Research, Industry, and Community Impact in Namibia

Professor Fillemon Nduvu Nangolo was born in Katutura, Windhoek, Namibia. He began his formal education in Windhoek, where he completed both his primary and secondary schooling. Pursuing his passion for engineering, he enrolled at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (formerly the Polytechnic of Namibia), where he laid the foundation for his academic career. During his studies at NUST, Professor Nangolo was selected to further his education abroad. He continued his academic journey in the Czech Republic, earning a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) in Mechanical Engineering from Jan Evangelista Purkyne University (UJEP). Demonstrating exceptional academic performance, he went on to obtain a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (Ing.), graduating Magna Cum Laude with a specialization in Industrial and Manufacturing Systems. His commitment to scholarly excellence culminated in the completion of a Doctorate in Engineering (Dr.-Ing) at the same institution, where his research and contributions further solidified his standing in the field of mechanical engineering.

He is currently serving as the Head of NUST Lüderitz Campus, and as a Professor at the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment at NUST. Professor Nangolo also sits on the Board of Directors of the Engineering Council of Namibia (ECN); Board of Directors at the National Commission for Research, Science and Technology (NCRST); Board of Directors at Inceptus Energy Ltd. He is also the Chairperson of the National Indigenous Knowledge Systems Council (NIKSC) of Namibia. His previous roles in academia include Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and IT at the University of Namibia (UNAM); Head of Department for Mechanical and Industrial Engineering (UNAM); Senior Lecturer at both NUST and UNAM; and a Lecturer at UJEP.

Prof Nangolo is a distinguished scholar and engineer whose career reflects a deep commitment to academic excellence, applied research, and community advancement. Over the years, he has supervised three doctoral dissertations, four master's theses, and mentored more than 200 undergraduate students, contributing significantly to the development of engineering talent in Namibia and beyond. His scholarly work includes over fifty peer-reviewed publications, contributions to several book chapters, and a monograph on vertical vibration asymmetry in mechanical systems. He has presented his research at numerous international conferences and has delivered keynote addresses on national and international platform. His academic interests span a broad range of disciplines, including mechanics (statics & dynamics) of mechanical systems, renewable energy systems, industrial and manufacturing systems, lean manufacturing and management, numerical methods, stress and vibration analysis, production and maintenance management, and thermo-fluid systems. His research has advanced understanding in areas such as predictive maintenance, lean manufacturing, water systems, thermal performance, and dynamic systems modelling. He is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration with a specialization in Management Strategy at the University of Namibia.

Prof Nangolo’s work is equally grounded in practical application and public service. During the COVID 19 pandemic, he led the design and 3D printing of oxygen delivery devices for state hospitals and re-engineered existing machines to enhance medical functionality. His contributions include rural desalination projects powered by renewable energy and the development of sediment and weed removal systems for the Calueque – Oshakati Canal. He has coordinated high-level research task forces, and played a pivotal role in advancing Namibia’s renewable energy sector through the Benguela Community Wind Power Demonstration Project in Lüderitz. Through his teaching, research, and community engagement, Prof. Nangolo continues to shape engineering education and promote sustainable development. His work stands as a testament to the power of integrating academic rigor with real-world impact.