Nursing grads can sit for evaluations before ceremony, minister says

Health minister Dr Esperance Luvindao says nursing graduates are not required to wait for their formal graduation ceremonies to register with the Nursing Council of Namibia.The minister, moreover, dismissed claims that evaluation delays are due to red tape from the council.Responding to a series of questions from Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) member of parliament Winnie Moongo in the National Assembly recently, Luvindao said the council accepts applications from graduates as long as they submit certified qualifications and proof of completed practical training, even before graduation ceremonies take place.“Graduates can sit for evaluation once they’ve met the academic and practical requirements," Luvindao explained, adding that "a graduation ceremony is not a legal requirement".Blame the schools, not the councilLuvindao said the delays between finishing studies and evaluation are largely caused by educational institutions, which often take up to two months to send completion records to the council.Evaluations are routinely held in February, May, September and November, but additional sessions may be scheduled as needed, the minister noted. Moongo also questioned why provisional registration is not granted to graduates who have completed all their training. The minister said the Health Professions Act does not allow this.“The council can’t register anyone without verified qualifications. The law doesn’t allow provisional registration,” she said.“Nursing is a life-and-death profession," the minister stressed."Thorough evaluation is non-negotiable."Namibia’s Health Professions Act does not allow for provisional registration, unlike some jurisdictions where graduates may be granted limited practice rights under supervision while awaiting final certification. In Namibia, full registration is only granted after submission and verification of all required documents.Boost funding to lower feesOn the issue of high and repeated evaluation fees, Luvindao explained that the council relies on these fees to fund its operations. However, she confirmed that a review of costs is underway, with affordability being considered. “If the council had better funding from government, fees could be reduced or even removed,” he said.rita@nmh-hub.com.na

Nursing grads can sit for evaluations before ceremony, minister says

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Namibian Sun 2025-12-29

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Nursing grads can sit for evaluations before ceremony, minister says

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Namibian Sun 2025-12-29

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