By: Stephanus Pombili
The International University of Management (IUM) was founded in 1994 by the Honourable Professor David Namwandi. On 26 October 2002, it was officially launched as Namibia’s first private university.
Since then, IUM has experienced tremendous growth, expanding to various regions including Ohangwena, Kavango West, Khomas, and Erongo. Today, I had the privilege of visiting the IUM Eenhana Campus, a testament to the university’s transformation into a premier institution with cutting-edge infrastructure.
On 9 August 2022, we witnessed the groundbreaking ceremony of the Eenhana Campus, a project valued at N$42 million. Remarkably, within just two years and seven months, the campus was completed and officially inaugurated on 11 March 2025. With no public funding or international donor support, IUM has emerged as a formidable academic institution.
The establishment of the Eenhana Campus was based on a comprehensive needs assessment, identifying a significant demand for higher education in the Ohangwena Region—home to over 337,000 inhabitants. IUM became the first university to respond to this call, erecting state-of-the-art facilities to serve the community.
Currently, the Eenhana Campus offers a wide array of accredited programs, ranging from postgraduate to undergraduate levels.
In just a few months since opening, the campus has already enrolled over 1,400 students and employs 14 academic advisors and 2 interim staff members—further establishing its reputation as “The People’s University.”
Programs Offered at IUM Eenhana Campus:
- Bachelor of Education in Secondary Education (Honours)
- Bachelor of Education in Senior Primary Education (Honours)
- Master of Education in Educational Leadership, Management and Policy
- Master of Education in Mathematics and Science Education
- Certificate in Health and Wellness Studies (Level 5)
- Bachelor of Nursing (Honours)
- Bachelor in Health and Wellness Studies
- Certificate in Business Administration and Management (Level 5)
- Certificate in Water Resources Management (Level 5)
- Certificate in Energy Management (Level 5)
- Certificate in Transport and Logistics Management (Level 5)
- Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety (Level 5)
- Diploma in Transport and Logistics Management (Level 6)
- Diploma in Water Resources Management (Level 6)
- Bachelor in Occupational Health and Safety (Honours)
- Bachelor of Transport and Logistics (Honours)
- Bachelor of Environmental Management and Sustainable Development (Honours)
- Bachelor of Conservation Agriculture (Honours)
- Bachelor in Water Management for Development (Honours)
All of these programs are fully accredited by the Namibia Qualifications Authority. IUM remains committed to equipping Namibians with the necessary skills and expertise to contribute meaningfully to national development. The institution employs a workforce composed entirely of Namibians.
VOICES FROM THE IUM COMMUNITY
Ms. Secilia Penehafo Nghidishange
A 2015 graduate of the Bachelor of HIV Management program at the Ongwediva Campus, Secilia secured employment with the Ministry of Health and Social Services just four months after graduation. She later pursued a Master’s in Parasitology and laboratory training. Today, she serves as the Student and Customer Liaison Officer at the Eenhana Campus.
“As both a graduate and now an employee of IUM, I feel a deep sense of pride and responsibility,” she shared. “The opening of a campus in Eenhana brings immense joy, especially knowing the impact it has on job creation and skill development in the region. For those considering their academic future, IUM offers highly marketable programs in areas such as energy, water management, and aquaculture. There is no reason for doubt—IUM delivers.”
Samuel Itumbu – Student Leadership Chairperson
“I chose IUM because it opened a new campus close to my home in Eenhana, saving my family and me financially. But beyond convenience, IUM provides quality education and produces graduates who are job creators, not job seekers. I encourage prospective students to choose IUM as their first step toward academic and professional success—it shapes not just careers but character.”
Ms. Hulda Namupembe – IUM Employee
After graduating in 2017 with a Bachelor’s in Human Resources from the Ongwediva Campus, Hulda secured employment as an Assistant Accountant at Nkurenkuru in January 2018. Now an IUM employee, she says, “Working at the very institution that educated me fills me with pride. Our lecturers prepared us exceptionally well. IUM graduates are often top performers in interviews, and I encourage new students to embrace IUM wholeheartedly—our education is truly of high quality.”
Mr. Joseph Hanga – Lecturer, Nursing, Health and Wellness
Joseph joined the Eenhana Campus in March 2025. Holding a Master’s in Public Health (2023) and a Bachelor’s in Nursing Science, he proudly supports IUM’s academic mission.
“I am honored to be part of IUM. The environment here is vibrant, and the curriculum is exceptional—on par with international standards. I strongly reject the misconception that IUM offers substandard education. Our facilities, resources, and academic structure speak for themselves. I encourage both undergraduate and postgraduate students to seize the opportunity to study here.”
IUM stands as one of the leading academic institutions in Namibia. According to the 2021 Nature Index, it ranks third in Namibia, 487th in Africa, and 10,233rd globally. From humble beginnings—founded by a visionary from the village of Okapya—IUM has evolved into a dynamic force in higher education, contributing immensely to Namibia’s development. Visit the Eenhana Campus and discover a program that aligns with your aspirations.
