UNAM gets ICT CoE

TELECOMS

The University of Namibia has officially opened its ICT centre of excellence, funded by Telecom Namibia.

The centre is expected to boost ICT research and development in the country.

The Managing Director of Telecom Namibia, Frans Ndoroma, noted: “ The objective of the centre is to create an opportunity for graduates to conduct research in a world class environment so that the much needed skills can be developed to grow the ICT knowledge base in Namibia.”

“ Our main objective and mission as a national telecommunications operator is to serve as a catalyst for realizing Vision 2030 by creating the necessary infrastructural conditions.  We see that as part of our responsibility as one of the leading ICT players in the country.”

The Vice-Chancellor of UNAM, Professor Lazarus Hangula expressed the hope that the centre would help to bridge the gap between the national University and the local ICT industry.

Telecom Namibia will make funding and equipment available to the centre and has also undertaken to attract other players in the industry to invest in the Centre and thus broaden the scope of research undertaken by the Centre.

Students and lecturers will also have an opportunity to present their papers before a host of industry leaders the Telecom Namibia ICT Summit on an annual basis.

In addition to supplying and installing all the equipment and software at the centre, Telecom Namibia is also providing four research scholarships to promising Namibian students whose aim is to do postgraduate studies while also providing concrete solutions to the industry.