Tjama Tjivikua (born 27 July 1958) is a Namibian academic and businessman. He was the Rector of the Polytechnic of Namibia in Windhoek since its inception in 1995. When the institution was renamed into Namibia University of Science and Technology in 2015, Tjivikua continued to lead it, now in the position of vice-chancellor, until March 2019.
Tjama Tjivikua | |
|---|---|
| Vice-chancellor of the Namibia University of Science and Technology | |
| In office 1995 – March 2019 | |
| Preceded by | position established |
| Succeeded by | Erold Naomab |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 27 July 1958 Otjomupanda, Otjozondjupa Region |
| Spouse | Neavera Olivier (m. 2015)[1] |
| Residence(s) | Windhoek, Namibia |
| Alma mater | Rockland Community College Lincoln University University of Lowell University of Pittsburgh Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
| Profession | Chemist |
Education and early life edit
Tjivikua was born on 27 July 1958 in Otjomupanda, Otjozondjupa Region. His mother was a nurse and his father a school teacher. He grew up in Oruua in the then Ovitoto Reserve, and started primary school in 1967 at St Barnabas Anglican Church School in Windhoek's Old Location. His family soon moved to Katutura as a result of the forced removal of blacks from Old Location, and he continued his schooling there. After completing high school at Windhoek's Augustineum (1976–1978), Tjivikua worked at the main branch of Barclays Bank (now First National Bank) in Windhoek.
Tjivikua left Namibia in June 1979 to study chemistry in the United States at Rockland Community College (1979–1980) and then Lincoln University (1980–1983), from which he graduated cum laude. He then completed a MSc at University of Lowell and a PhD at University of Pittsburgh and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His thesis was on molecular recognition in organic chemistry. He was a well recognized researcher at that time, and he worked as assistant professor of chemistry at Lincoln University from 1990 to 1995.[2]
Professional career edit
In 1995, Tjivikua returned to Namibia to take up the post as founding Rector of Polytechnic of Namibia. When the institution was renamed into Namibia University of Science and Technology in 2015, Tjivikua continued to lead it, now in the position of vice-chancellor, until March 2019. Morne du Toit and Andrew Niikondo were successively appointed in acting position until Erold Naomab was appointed in 2021.[3]
Tjivikua has also served on national bodies such as the National Planning Commission (1998–2006), the Namibia Qualifications Authority (1997–present[update]), the Namibia Council for Higher Education (2006–present[update]) and several others.[2] He has several business interests, including finance, agriculture, and oil.[4]
Awards edit
- Heroes' Day 2014: Most Distinguished Order of Namibia: Second Class[5]
- 2013: Doctor of Humane Letters (Honoris Causa), Lincoln University (Pennsylvania)[6]
- 2008: Bank Windhoek Business Communicator of the Year[7]
- 2006: FinWeek recognition as one of the 10 most prominent and respected members of the Namibian society[8]
- 2006: D.Sc (Honoris Causa) for exceptional contributions to the development of higher education in Namibia, Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), USA
- 2005: Life Fellow, Centres for Leadership and Public Values, University of Cape Town and Duke University
- 1985: Outstanding Young Man of America
- 1983: American Chemical Society Award, Lincoln University
References edit
- ^ "Namibia: NUST 'First Lady' Role in Spotlight". allAfrica.com. Retrieved 11 November 2017.
- ^ a b Laudatio for the conferment of the Dr h.c. degree: Dr Tjama Tjivikua. "Dr. Tjama Tjivikua receives an Honorary Doctorate". Honoring the Achievers at the 138th Commencement of Worcester Polytechnic Institute, U.S.A. (PDF). Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Retrieved 9 November 2010.
- ^ Kahiurika, Ndanki (12 November 2019). "Du Toit still holds reins at Nust". The Namibian.
- ^ Shihepo, Timo (3 September 2021). "Namibia: Namcor's Fuel Station Partners Revealed ... Tjivikua, Business Personalities With Swapo Links Among". allAfrica.com. Retrieved 28 September 2021.
- ^ "Namibians honoured by President". New Era. 28 August 2014.
- ^ Poly's Tjivikua awarded Honorary Doctorate, New Era 17 May 2013. Archived 19 June 2013 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "DBN CEO, David Nujoma, shares Namibian Business Communicator of the Year Award". Development Bank of Namibia. Retrieved 15 November 2010.
- ^ Christiansen, Thomas; Rich, Christian; Westhofen-Kunz, Dorothea; Gallert, Peter (2007). "Chancen für Namibias Jugend" [Opportunities for Namibia's Youth]. CIM Intern (PDF) (in German). Vol. 1. Centrum für internationale Migration und Entwicklung.
External links edit
- "Interview with Tjama Tjivikua". World Investment News (WinNe). 10 March 2006.
- "Namibia: Namcor's Fuel Station Partners Revealed ... Tjivikua, Business Personalities With Swapo Links Among". 10 March 2016.
- "Elite families 'blessed' with fishing rights". 16 April 2020.
- "Tjivikua brothers butt heads over top job". 10 March 2006.
- "NUST Family Affair". 11 October 2020.
- "Kandjii-Murangi denies meddling in Nust affairs". 11 October 2020.