Some parents unaware of NUST’s use of private debt collector

Some parents of students at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) allege that their children signed debt agreements at the university without being aware that a private debt collection company was involved.

The families say they were unaware that a third-party debt collector, Quartile Debt Collectors Agency, was involved when the documents were signed at the university, believing the process formed part of a debt relief initiative announced earlier this year.

A parent of a third-year student, who asked not to be named, told Namibian Sun that their child, who receives partial funding from the Namibia Students' Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF), had outstanding hostel and meal fees and sought to settle the account to continue their studies.

The family claims the student signed documents at the finance office under the impression they were part of internal university arrangements, only later learning that a private debt collection company had been engaged.

The parents say they do not believe they authorised monthly deductions by a third-party debt collector from their accounts.

The parents further allege that deductions continued even after the outstanding balance had been settled, while some payments were not immediately reflected on the student’s account.

Concerns addressed

In correspondence between the university and one of the concerned parents, which was provided to Namibian Sun by the family, NUST deputy bursar Justina Shingenge confirmed that the institution has an agreement with Quartile Debt Collectors Agency to facilitate the collection of outstanding student debt.

“In response to your mail, NUST has an agreement with Quartile Debt Collectors Agency to facilitate the collection of outstanding debts for our current students. The debts are not handed over to Quartile Debt Collectors Agency but remain on the NUST books,” Shingenge explained.

She added that while payments are made through a third party, the funds are transferred to the university, and no additional charges are levied on students.

“Students complete forms and other documents as required by Quartile Debt Collectors Agency, who are acting on behalf of NUST. Students are also handed an agreement to which they confirm for funds to be deducted from the accounts that they provide,” she wrote in the letter.

Addressing complaints of over-deductions, Shingenge indicated that these may result from administrative errors.

“On the overpayment, that must have been an oversight on the part of Quartile Debt Collectors Agency, as they should only deduct on what had been agreed upon, including the instalment amount,” she wrote, adding that the company had indicated refunds were processed for over-deductions.

She further noted that payments collected are loaded onto student accounts on a monthly basis, depending on when they are received from the debt collector.

Quartile responds

When contacted for confirmation and comment, Shingenge referred Namibian Sun to NUST spokesperson Cindy van Wyk, who said the institution would be able to respond after three working days.

Quartile Debt Collectors Agency managing member Kleopas Malima defended the company’s processes, insisting all deductions are authorised through signed mandates provided by students or their guarantors.

“So all of it is fully mandated from the institution side as well as from the individuals,” he said.

He added that any over-deductions are corrected through refunds or adjustments and that no unresolved complaints had been recorded.

The debt collection arrangement forms part of a three-year contract awarded by NUST in 2025, with a commission rate of 10% plus VAT, following a competitive bidding process.

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