The Vice President of the Republic of Namibia, and newly elected third Chancellor of the University of Namibia (UNAM), His Excellency Dr Nangolo Mbumba, expressed his gratitude for “the honour to serve as UNAM’s third Chancellor” and vowed “…to continue the legacy of my predecessors…”, at his inauguration ceremony on 05 April.

Speaking at the ceremony, at which he was also presented with an Honorary Doctorate degree in Public Administration by UNAM, H.E Dr Mbumba made a point of expressing his desire to kick start and execute the University’s mandate of “education, service and development.”

“I look forward to a healthy and effective working relationship with all of you, including our stakeholders in the education sector,” he said.

Honourable Dr Mbumba also acknowledged “those who were instrumental in the process” of the conferment of his honorary degree. “I am greatly delighted though humbled in accepting this honour,” said H.E Dr Mbumba. “This honour is not mine alone, it is your honour as well, since I am a product of the collective contributions made by many of you in my life, and in the history of Namibia,” he added.

Out-going Chancellor of the University of Namibia and Former President of the Republic of Namibia, His Excellency Dr Hifikepunye Pohamba, said: “I wish to take this opportunity to most sincerely thank the UNAM Council for entrusting me with this enormous national responsibility as UNAM Chancellor. I am proud to have served UNAM in this capacity.”

Out-going Chancellor of the University of Namibia and Former President of the Republic of Namibia, His Excellency Dr Hifikepunye Pohamba, said: “I wish to take this opportunity to most sincerely thank the UNAM Council for entrusting me with this enormous national responsibility as UNAM Chancellor. I am proud to have served UNAM in this capacity.”

“I have no doubt that Dr Nangolo Mbumba will do everything in his power to ensure that our University fulfils its mandate and is given necessary resources to implement its core business, that of training, research and development as well as educating the nation,” he added.

Professor Hangula, Vice Chancellor of the University of Namibia, said he was “proud” of the progress the University has made under the stewardship of the outgoing Chancellor and former President of the Republic of Namibia, H.E Dr Pohamba.

“…We are rolling out a red carpet to welcome a man of astute stature, yet at the same time we are bidding farewell to a man of great wisdom, prestige and open-door policy,” said Professor Hangula.

“The outgoing Chancellor has served the University with the utmost dedication, sincere heart and sheer commitment to duty,” he added.

In his congratulatory message, the Founding President of the Republic of Namibia and founding Chancellor of the University of Namibia, His Excellency Dr Sam Nujoma accentuated his excitement regarding the occasion. “I am personally extremely delighted to witness yet another milestone in the history of our country, and in particular that of the University of Namibia,” he said.

“I wish to thank the UNAM Council and Management for having provided the out-going Chancellor with great support during his tenure.”

On Dr Mbumba’s appointment, Dr Sam Nujoma said: “I have full confidence that with his stewardship and wisdom, this great institution will grow from strength to strength.”

“It is my sincere hope that Dr Mbumba will get the support from staff and management as well as students at UNAM,” he added.

A Chancellor shall hold office for a period of six years and shall be eligible for re-election at the expiration of his or her term of office.