The Namibia University of Science and Technology ( NUST)has approved the relocation of its Agricultural Satellite Campus from Rietfontein to Otavi in the Otjozondjupa Region, as part of efforts to expand access to higher education and support regional development.
NUST Director of Corporate Communications and Internationalisation, Gervasius Nashilongo, said the decision was endorsed by the university’s Council at a meeting held on 6 February 2026, following a Cabinet resolution supporting the move within the Otjozondjupa Region.
“The Council of the Namibia University of Science and Technology has approved the relocation of the University’s Agricultural Satellite Campus from Rietfontein to Otavi in the Otjozondjupa Region. The decision follows a resolution adopted at a Council meeting held on 6 February 2026, endorsing Otavi as the new site,” she said.
She added that the relocation forms part of NUST’s broader strategic objective to expand access to higher education, respond to national development priorities and support the transformation of emerging towns into knowledge and innovation hubs.
According to Nashilongo, the Otavi Town Council has allocated land for the establishment of the satellite campus. The relocation of students and staff will be implemented in phases, beginning with temporary facilities to support immediate academic activities, while plans for a permanent, purpose-built campus are developed.
“The relocation of students and staff will be implemented through a phased approach, beginning with the provision of temporary facilities to support immediate academic activities, alongside the planned development of a permanent, purpose-built campus,” she said.
The phased approach is intended to ensure continuity in teaching and learning, while laying the groundwork for a fully resourced agricultural campus aligned with national priorities in teaching, research and innovation.
Otjozondjupa, which has a population of more than 143,000 people, is home to about 84 schools serving over 48,000 learners. Despite this sizeable learner base, access to university-level education in the region remains limited.
Nashilongo said the move to Otavi is expected to strengthen pathways from secondary and vocational education into tertiary studies, particularly in agriculture and related fields.
Otavi’s central location is also seen as a strategic advantage. The region borders Oshikoto, Omaheke, Kavango East, Kavango West, Kunene, Erongo and Khomas, improving accessibility for students from across a wide geographical area.
