By: Stephanus Pombili
The International University of Management (IUM) continues to live up to its slogan of “The People’s University.” Once again, the institution has proven its commitment to national development, this time by donating medical equipment worth N$8.5 million and assigning five medical professors to the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS). This gesture is not only a demonstration of generosity, but also a statement of IUM’s belief that education must be a tool for transformation and social progress.
The university’s leadership, under its visionary founder Professor David Namwandi, has consistently emphasised that true education should uplift communities and improve the lives of ordinary citizens.
The latest donation strengthens Namibia’s public health system, which has been under immense pressure due to the shortage of medical professionals and equipment. IUM’s decision to assign five professors, who will be fully paid by the university, reflects a unique public–private partnership model.
Each of these professors will be paid an estimated N$1 million per year, meaning IUM will spend around N$25 million over the next five years to support the government’s healthcare delivery. This unprecedented act shows that IUM is not only producing graduates, but also investing heavily in national capacity building.
IUM’s commitment extends beyond classrooms and lecture halls. Recently, the Namwandi Family Trust made headlines by availing N$3 million for IUM graduates with bankable business ideas. What makes this initiative remarkable is that applicants do not need collateral, only a sound business plan and proof of being an IUM graduate. Through this trust, hundreds of young Namibians are being empowered to become employers rather than job seekers. This approach aligns with IUM’s broader vision: education that creates impact. IUM has already employed more than 1,000 staff members, a clear indicator that the university is not just an academic institution, but a notable contributor to Namibia’s economy. It stands as one of the few higher education institutions in the country that consistently demonstrates corporate social responsibility and practical community involvement.
The donation to the Ministry of Health and the continuous empowerment of graduates are just a few examples of how IUM is reshaping Namibia’s socio-economic landscape. Through education, employment creation, and entrepreneurship support, IUM is fulfilling its mission of being a university by the people and for the people. Professor Namwandi’s leadership continues to inspire a generation of students, educators, and leaders who understand that success is not measured by personal gain, but by the positive difference made in people’s lives.
Indeed, IUM is not just talking about change; it is living it. From classrooms to hospitals, and from communities to the corridors of government, the university’s impact is visible. With its latest medical equipment donation and commitment to compensate professors serving the nation, IUM once again proves that it truly cares about the people of Namibia.
IUM – Changing Lives, Building the Nation.
