HE Dr Sam S Nujoma Tribute

The University of Namibia (UNAM) joins the nation in mourning the passing of H.E. Dr. Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma, Namibia’s Founding President, Father of the Nation, and the inaugural Chancellor of UNAM from April 1993 to 2011.

His dedication to education as a tool for liberation and national development laid the foundation for Namibia’s premier university, shaping it into the formidable institution it is today.

A visionary leader in higher education

Dr. Nujoma’s vision for higher education was clear from the onset of Namibia’s independence – education was to be a key driver of national progress. His lifelong belief in education was not just rhetoric, he led by example, earning his Master of Science (MSc) degree in Geology from UNAM in 2009 after four years of rigorous study and research.

As Founding Chancellor, he played a symbolic yet crucial role in the establishment of UNAM, presiding over its first graduation ceremony in April 1993, where he was officially installed alongside the first Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Peter Katjavivi. His presence and leadership inspired confidence in Namibia’s new public university, ensuring that UNAM would be accessible, inclusive, and impactful.

“I see the University of Namibia as a centre of higher learning, served by dedicated men and women of quality, and producing graduates determined to uplift the standard of living of our people. I see the University of Namibia taking its rightful place in Southern Africa in particular, and Africa in general, and the world at large, and making its contribution in every area of the body of knowledge”.
– H.E. Dr. Sam S. Nujoma – 23 April 1993, during his installation as Chancellor

Expansion and Transformation: From a small academy to a national institution

Under his tenure as Chancellor, UNAM expanded from a single campus in Windhoek to a nationwide institution, ensuring that higher education was accessible to Namibians from all walks of life.

His leadership saw the integration of Neudamm and Ogongo Agricultural Colleges (2008), as well as the Education Colleges into UNAM in 2011, strengthening the University’s focus on agriculture, teacher education, and vocational training.

He also spearheaded the expansion of infrastructure, laying foundation stones for major campus buildings, including:

• The Oshakati Campus (opened in 1998), bringing tertiary education closer to the northern regions.
• The Faculty of Engineering & IT in Ongwediva (ground-breaking in 2007), which has since produced top-tier engineers for Namibia’s industrial sector.
• The Zero Emission Research Initiative (ZERI), officially opened in 1997, cementing UNAM’s role in sustainability research.

His contribution was so profound that UNAM honoured him by naming the Sam Nujoma Campus in Henties Bay after him. The campus, home to the Sam Nujoma Marine and Coastal Resources Research Centre (SANUMARC), continues to lead research in marine sciences, fisheries, and climate adaptation strategies.

UNAM’s growth and global recognition

From its humble beginnings, H.E. Dr. Nujoma saw UNAM evolve into a globally recognised institution.

Today, UNAM stands out as the only Namibian university in the 2024 Times Higher Education Sub-Saharan Africa Rankings, securing 13th place among 129 universities from 22 countries. Moreover, it is ranked 16th among Africa’s top 100 universities – an indication to the foundation laid by Dr. Nujoma’s leadership.

With over 69,000 alumni worldwide, UNAM has become an institution of choice for students from across the globe, fostering international collaborations and producing graduates who contribute meaningfully to Namibia and beyond.

A legacy that lives on

H.E. Dr. Nujoma once famously declared, “The UNAM of Namibia, the UNAM of Angola, the UNAM of Zambia”, envisioning UNAM as a symbol of higher learning without borders.

His vision, leadership, and unwavering belief in education as the backbone of national development will forever be woven into the fabric of this University.

On behalf of the entire UNAM community, we extend our deepest condolences to the Nujoma Family and the Namibian nation.

As we mourn this great loss, we also celebrate his legacy – one that will continue to shape Namibia’s future for generations to come.