NUST Legacy Run Celebrates a Decade of Excellence and Student Empowerment

By Frieda Jona

The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) marked a major milestone, hosting its first-ever Legacy Run, a community-driven event that celebrated the university’s 10-Year Anniversary while raising funds for student welfare.

Held on 8 November 2025 at the NUST Main Campus in Windhoek, the Legacy Run brought together over 500 participants, including students, staff, alumni, and members of the public who took part in 5 km, 10 km, 15 km, and 21.1 km races, all in celebration of the university’s 10-Year Anniversary under the theme “A Decade of Eminence: Celebrating Education, Science and Technology for Development.”

More than just a fitness challenge, the Legacy Run was designed to support the NUST Student Welfare Fund, which assists students facing financial hardship. Entry fees ranged from N$50 to N$100, and all proceeds went directly toward helping students cover tuition, accommodation, and other essential costs.

In his opening remarks at the Legacy Run, NUST Vice-Chancellor Dr. Erold Naomab reflected on the deeper meaning behind the event, describing it as a powerful representation of the university’s journey over the past decade.

“This run is a symbol of our journey, ten years of building, innovating, and empowering,” he said. “We are not just running for fitness. We are running for legacy, for inclusion, and for the future of Namibian education.”

Participants described the event as both inspiring and impactful. Among them was Martha Ileka, a final-year engineering student, who joined the 5 km run alongside her classmates. She shared, “I wanted to be part of something bigger than myself. This run reminded me that we are all connected, students, alumni, staff, and that NUST is more than just a campus. It’s a community.”

Meanwhile, Tomas Shivute, a NUST graduate from the Class of 2018, returned to take part in the 10 km run. Reflecting on the experience, he said, “NUST gave me the foundation to succeed. Coming back today felt like reconnecting with my roots. The energy was incredible.”

The event concluded with a prize draw, where three lucky runners won NUST vouchers worth N$10,000, N$6,000, and N$4,000. These can be used to pay for tuition, registration, or accommodation.

The event was well-organized, with safety marshals, water stations, and medical support available throughout the route.

“We saw students, staff, alumni, and even families running side by side,” said Mr. Hendrick Kantewa, the event coordinator. “That is the spirit of NUST, inclusive, determined, and united.”

Since becoming a university in 2015, NUST has grown into one of Namibia’s leading institutions for science, technology, and innovation. The Legacy Run was not only a celebration of this journey but also a reminder of the university’s role in shaping the nation’s future.

“NUST’s legacy is not just in buildings or rankings, it is in the lives we have changed,” said Prof. Colin Stanley, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Partnerships. “This run captured that spirit beautifully.”

The Legacy Run left behind more than footprints, it demonstrated that progress is a shared journey, with NUST walking alongside the nation every step of the way.