Former education minister David Namwandi has denied involvement in the opening the Limkokwing University in Namibia.
Namwandi, who owns the International University of Management, served as the Minister of Education from 2013 to 2015.
Before he became the minister, Namwandi had served as education ministry deputy minister from 2010 to 2013.
His name came up on documents posted on social media sites this week that allege that the process that saw Limkokwing University opening its doors in Namibia started when he was the minister.
The document was titled: Limkokwing University – is a baby of David Namwandi and Hilya Nghiwete corruption deals and has nothing to do with Itah Kandjii-Murangi.
Namwandi said the allegation that the Limkokwing University in Namibia was his idea is gravely erroneous and devoid of any truth.
He challenged the people who compiled the document to prove what they were alleging and approach the Anti-Corruption Commission for action.
“At this juncture, I would like to implore all and sundry to avoid dragging other people’s names into issues that have nothing to do with them.
“I have nothing to do with sponsoring students at Limkokwing University in Namibia, nor did I facilitate its establishment in Namibia.
“Those who did that must explain their intentions squarely to the nation without infringing on the rights of others,” he said.
Namwandi also said the allegation should be condemned with the contempt it deserves.
“What I can confirm is that Limkokwing University was amongst several universities in Malaysia that were identified jointly by the High Commission of Namibia to Malaysia for Namibian students to pursue their studies,” he explained.
Namwandi also said that while the education ministry oversaw the selection of universities, it is essential to note that the final decisions were based on the recommendations of delegations of experts from various regulatory bodies in Namibia who visited the universities to determine their eligibilities.
The former minister further said that the process was thorough and transparent, [and] documentation to support this are available.
“During my tenure, I want to highlight that we never facilitated or favoured a foreign institution(s) above Namibian institutions, as this is a sign of weakness and is unpatriotic,” he said.
According to Namwandi, the attempt to drag his name in this saga is to divert people’s attention.
“It is irrelevant and has no bearing on what is currently in dispute, i.e. the setting up of Limkokwing University in Namibia at the expense of Namibian students and local institutions,” he also said.
He said when he was in office, everything he did was in the best interest of Namibia.
