The impact of the University of Namibia merger on staff and students: The case of Hifikepunye Pohamba campus
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Date
2014
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
The merger of the University of Namibia (UNAM) with the four Colleges
of Education in 2010 was necessitated by an Act of Parliament for tertiary
institutions. This study aims to identify the challenges for staff and students to cope with the merger, in order to bring the merger process to the attention of the stakeholders. This study is important because, while history is being made, one needs to establish the human experiences of those going through these changes. It is intended to capture the merger’s impact on the academic, administrative and auxiliary staff and students. Participants responded to open-ended questionnaires and interviews designed to assess their perceptions of capabilities in their new
roles, as well as the responsibilities, constraints and opportunities availed for
personal and professional growth. The students who participated are the former BETD (Basic Education Teacher Diploma) students who were articulated into the B.Ed. (Bachelor of Education) Lower and Upper Primary program during the merge. Preliminary results indicated that the majority of the participants had positive experiences after joining UNAM. Challenges in the following areas were highlighted: infra-structure, unreliable communication technologies, the breadth and depth of work covered in some modules, diminishing philosophy of learner-centered education. A few participants voiced their concerns regarding some anomalies. A number of suggestions from the different stakeholders to make the merger even more effective and efficient are offered.
Description
Keywords
Merger, Staff/ students experiences
Citation
Lopez, O.G.R., & Mbodo, L. (2014). The impact of the University of Namibia merger on staff and students: the case of Hifikepunye Pohamba campus. Namibia CPD journal for Educators, Special Edition, 19-39.