Nursing students miss exam over tuition fees

Students at the Nursing Training Institute of Technology (NTIT) in Ongwediva were allegedly barred from writing an exam held at 10:00 on Monday, following a dispute over late tuition fees.

NTIT students told Namibian Sun yesterday they were informed last Wednesday by the institution's director, George Zekka, that they had to pay N$2 100 to be allowed to write.

Of the 52 students, they said only five had managed to pay the new amount.

“We normally pay N$950 monthly, which we already paid for July on the third," a student said.

"Last week Wednesday, director George Zekka told us that if anyone failed to pay N$2 100 we would not write,” they claimed.

They described the short notice as unfair, especially as they had already paid their usual July fees.

Strict policy adherence

However, in response, Zekka told Namibian Sun yesterday the institution's policy on settling outstanding tuition fees before writing exams is clear.

Zekka clarified that those who had paid N$950 still owed the institute N$1 150, bringing the total to N$2 100, and urged them not to wait until the last minute to make arrangements.

"If students miss exams due to outstanding tuition fees, they know the procedures to follow and can apply for the supplementary period. There was enough time to communicate about payment arrangements. Every institution has its policy that needs to be followed. It is clear that if you don't settle your tuition fees, you will not write," he said.

He said some students had approached his office to make payment arrangements, which were granted, allowing them to write. He added that some students, however, "don't like adhering to policies."

"We have students who pay N$30 every day just to ensure they settle their outstanding fees, and they are grateful because it is easier for them," he said.

Student complaints addressed

Beyond the exam issue, students also raised concerns about delays in receiving their nursing certificates and uniforms, which they claimed they paid for in June last year. They claimed other nursing schools have already started hospital practicals while they have yet to begin.

On certificates, Zekka said delays were beyond the institution’s control.

“We submitted everything to the regulatory body, the Nursing Council of Namibia, and due to the fact that there are many other institutions, the process takes time. I recall we submitted requests for nursing certificates for our students in 2024, but we only received them in 2025. We are just waiting,” he said.

Referring to the uniforms, Zekka said the previous tailor had failed to deliver uniforms. “We made arrangements with a new tailor on Friday who will deliver 60 uniforms every week. All uniforms and nursing certificates will be sorted. Some students expect their things immediately after paying, but there is a process, and it needs patience,” he explained.

Efforts to obtain comment from the Namibia National Students’ Organisation (Nanso) were unsuccessful at the time of publication.