Unam promotes 42 staff members
The University of Namibia (Unam) has recognised excellence among its academic and research staff, announcing the promotion of 42 members across multiple faculties and units in 2025.
The milestone highlights exceptional achievements in teaching, research and service, while reinforcing Unam’s role as a leader in nurturing and retaining top academic talent.
From newly appointed professors to rising associate professors and senior lecturers, the promotions span disciplines from agriculture and engineering to health sciences and education, marking one of Unam’s most significant recognition exercises this year. The faculty of agriculture, engineering and natural sciences led the way, followed closely by health sciences and veterinary medicine, with other faculties and research units also celebrating notable staff advancements.
Academic promotions are a standard practice at universities worldwide, representing formal progression through ranks such as lecturer, senior lecturer, associate professor, and professor.
Nurture talent
These advancements result from a rigorous process of application, internal and external evaluation, and recognition of accomplishments in research, teaching, and community engagement. Beyond acknowledging dedication, promotions help institutions maintain international standards of scholarship and leadership.
Frednard Gideon, pro-vice chancellor of academic affairs, said: “These promotions affirm the calibre and commitment of our staff and the university’s responsibility to nurture and retain such talent."
Academic growth and staff development are central to Unam’s strategy, he said, and the university continues to support their staff through postgraduate studies, mentorship, and research opportunities.
"While retaining high-level academic expertise carries a substantial cost, the benefits are immeasurable, from improved teaching quality to stronger research outputs and national impact. Promotions such as these strengthen Unam’s reputation and ensure that our institution remains a centre of academic excellence for Namibia and beyond", he noted.
The promotions reflect Unam’s ongoing commitment to recognising talent, fostering professional growth, and advancing Namibia’s higher education landscape.
The milestone highlights exceptional achievements in teaching, research and service, while reinforcing Unam’s role as a leader in nurturing and retaining top academic talent.
From newly appointed professors to rising associate professors and senior lecturers, the promotions span disciplines from agriculture and engineering to health sciences and education, marking one of Unam’s most significant recognition exercises this year. The faculty of agriculture, engineering and natural sciences led the way, followed closely by health sciences and veterinary medicine, with other faculties and research units also celebrating notable staff advancements.
Academic promotions are a standard practice at universities worldwide, representing formal progression through ranks such as lecturer, senior lecturer, associate professor, and professor.
Nurture talent
These advancements result from a rigorous process of application, internal and external evaluation, and recognition of accomplishments in research, teaching, and community engagement. Beyond acknowledging dedication, promotions help institutions maintain international standards of scholarship and leadership.
Frednard Gideon, pro-vice chancellor of academic affairs, said: “These promotions affirm the calibre and commitment of our staff and the university’s responsibility to nurture and retain such talent."
Academic growth and staff development are central to Unam’s strategy, he said, and the university continues to support their staff through postgraduate studies, mentorship, and research opportunities.
"While retaining high-level academic expertise carries a substantial cost, the benefits are immeasurable, from improved teaching quality to stronger research outputs and national impact. Promotions such as these strengthen Unam’s reputation and ensure that our institution remains a centre of academic excellence for Namibia and beyond", he noted.
The promotions reflect Unam’s ongoing commitment to recognising talent, fostering professional growth, and advancing Namibia’s higher education landscape.
