The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) has suspended its vice chancellor, Dr. Erold Naomab, marking the latest development in a long-running standoff between him and the university’s governing council.
Naomab’s suspension was effected on Tuesday night, following months of internal tension over leadership and governance matters at the institution.
In a letter dated 8 October and addressed to the Minister of Higher Education, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Sanet Steenkamp, NUST council chairperson Leake Hangala confirmed the decision, stating that the move was made “in the best interest of the institution and to preserve the integrity of NUST’s governance framework.”
When contacted for comment, Hangala said he was not in a position to elaborate further, noting, “I can’t comment now. I will comment later.”
The suspension follows an earlier decision by the NUST council in April not to renew Naomab’s employment contract, which is set to expire at the end of December this year. The vice chancellor reportedly appealed to Minister Steenkamp to intervene in the matter, but the minister is said to have declined, citing that she had no authority to overturn the council’s decision.
Naomab, who has been leading the university since January 2021, has faced growing scrutiny in recent months amid reports of strained relations with the council and concerns over institutional management.
Further details regarding the terms of his suspension and the appointment of an acting vice chancellor are expected to be announced in the coming days.
