Allexer Namundjembo
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) says it has not received a formal complaint regarding allegations of corruption at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust).
This follows claims of corruption, nepotism, and financial mismanagement at the university.
A 40-page dossier allegedly addressed to ACC director general Paulus Noa, accuses Nust vice-chancellor Erold Naomab and several senior officials of orchestrating schemes that syphoned millions of dollars from the institution through irregular procurement, abuse of authority, and reckless spending.
According to the document, Naomab surrounded himself with allies strategically placed in key positions, including Klemens /Awarab, special adviser; Browny Mutrifa, chief operations officer; Anna Matros-Goreses, executive director for research and partnerships and Frank Puriza, head of maintenance and infrastructure planning. Each is accused of playing a role in what whistleblowers describe as a “cabal of looters” diverting public resources for personal gain.
The allegations include nepotistic appointments, inflated contracts, and favouritism in tenders.
One case cited is a N$30 million “rebranding” project handed to Puriza’s department, which has no mandate over communications.
The dossier also raises concerns over the absence of audited financial statements since 2019, saying repeated warnings were ignored, creating conditions for mismanagement.
Other allegations include irregular procurement, such as the purchase of a luxury bus for over N$5 million, allegedly disguised as a cheaper second-hand vehicle. The dossier also mentions the appointment of Una Stuurman Architects for a multimillion-dollar “Social Innovation Hub” project, allegedly bypassing procurement procedures. Another case involves NIKA Academy, where N$9 million in payments were reportedly made without proper council approval.
The document claims the contracts reflect tribal favouritism and manipulation of tender systems. Naomab himself is accused of abusing credit facilities, failing to account for expenditures, and using institutional funds to obtain a legal opinion in support of his reappointment. His term ends in December 2025, but sources allege he is lobbying to remain in office with the backing of Chancellor Peter Katjavivi.
The dossier further alleges that Katjavivi has overstayed his term since 2015 and receives an annual budget of N$1 million for a ceremonial role. It also suggests that Naomab’s survival in office is tied to political protection. Former Higher Education Minister Itah Kandjii-Murangi is accused of benefiting from university funds for international travel, while current officials are said to be shielding the vice-chancellor despite evidence of misconduct.
Whistleblowers are demanding immediate suspensions and a forensic investigation by the ACC. They warn that continued inaction risks the collapse of the university’s integrity and reputation.
Nust spokesperson Nashilongo Gervasius confirmed the university had noted the document.
“We encourage our community to make use of the university’s formal channels to raise complaints or concerns. Nust is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, and we therefore remain open to formal engagement on pertinent matters such as this one,” she said.
