Ondjiva - The Secretary of State for Higher Education, Eugénio da Silva, on Monday in southern Cunene province reaffirmed the government's commitment to improve the quality of teaching at the country's public and private universities.

Speaking to the press as part of a 24-hour working visit to Cunene, Eugénio da Silva said the ministerial department will continue to work to improve the functioning of academic institutions, guaranteeing decent infrastructures, functional laboratories, libraries and capable human resources, among other procedures that contribute to improving the quality of teaching and learning.

As regards to the functioning of the Ondjiva Polytechnic Institute (the only public education institution in the province), the official said it is operating with some infrastructural weaknesses, shortcomings and laboratory deficiencies, which in time will be reversed.

On the occasion, he said that the foundation stone will soon be laid for the construction of the new Cunene University Campus, an institution that will guarantee better teaching conditions and give society credibility and confidence.

 "It could take three to five years for this university campus to come into operation, as the plan includes several stages, including securing funding, contracting construction companies, execution and then the start of operations," Silva said.

  Eugénio da Silva's agenda includes visits and meetings with the governing body and academic communities of the Rei Luhuna Private Higher Institute and the Ondjiva Polytechnic, which is part of the Mandume Ya Ndemufayo University.

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