Tjama Tjivikua Explained

Tjama Tjivikua
Office:Vice-chancellor of the Namibia University of Science and Technology
Term Start:1995
Term End:March 2019
Predecessor:position established
Successor:Erold Naomab
Birth Date:27 July 1958
Birth Place:Otjomupanda, Otjozondjupa Region
Alma Mater:Rockland Community College
Lincoln University
University of Lowell
University of Pittsburgh
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Residence:Windhoek, Namibia
Profession:Chemist
Spouse:Neavera Olivier (m. 2015)[1]

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.

Education and early life

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

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–), the Namibia Council for Higher Education (2006–) and several others.[2] He has several business interests, including finance, agriculture, and oil.[4]

Awards

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Namibia: NUST 'First Lady' Role in Spotlight. allAfrica.com. 11 November 2017.
  2. Laudatio for the conferment of the Dr h.c. degree: Dr Tjama Tjivikua. Book: Honoring the Achievers at the 138th Commencement of Worcester Polytechnic Institute, U.S.A.. Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Dr. Tjama Tjivikua receives an Honorary Doctorate. 9 November 2010.
  3. News: Du Toit still holds reins at Nust . Kahiurika . Ndanki . . 12 November 2019 .
  4. Web site: Shihepo. Timo. 2021-09-03. Namibia: Namcor's Fuel Station Partners Revealed ... Tjivikua, Business Personalities With Swapo Links Among. 2021-09-28. allAfrica.com. en.
  5. News: Namibians honoured by President. New Era. 28 August 2014.
  6. http://www.newera.com.na/articles/51854/Poly-s-Tjivikua-awarded-Honorary-Doctorate Poly's Tjivikua awarded Honorary Doctorate
  7. Web site: DBN CEO, David Nujoma, shares Namibian Business Communicator of the Year Award. Development Bank of Namibia. 15 November 2010.
  8. Book: CIM Intern. Chancen für Namibias Jugend. Opportunities for Namibia's Youth. German. Christiansen. Thomas. Rich. Christian. Westhofen-Kunz. Dorothea. Gallert. Peter. Centrum für internationale Migration und Entwicklung. 2007. 1.