Mixed reactions to free tertiary education promise

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s declaration that tertiary education will be fully subsidised by government as of the 2026 academic year has sparked mixed reactions.While many have hailed the announcement as a historic milestone, critics have raised concerns over its sustainability and feasibility – especially given the tight implementation timeline and the absence of relevant allocations in the current national budget.According to the president, the policy will eliminate all registration and tuition fees at public universities and technical and vocational education centres. “This will be a gradual, phased-in approach. For now, families and students will still be responsible for accommodation and other related expenses,” she said during her state of the nation address (Sona) yesterday.Framing the initiative as a direct investment in Namibia’s youth, she said: “This must serve as a clear message to our youth. This is a golden opportunity provided to you by your caring government. Use it to develop your talents, contribute meaningfully to national development and support your families.”Careful calculations However, the announcement has also been met with some scepticism.Former prime minister and long-serving education minister Nahas Angula yesterday questioned the policy’s financial grounding. “I hope she knows the per-student tuition costs at these institutions. I trust she has done the necessary calculations, otherwise, this could resemble the so-called &#039;free&#039; primary education, where schools ended up issuing long lists of required items and parents ultimately paid more than before,” he remarked.He warned that promises must be carefully made. “This is due to roll out in just seven months, with the next financial year beginning in 2026. It’s vital to remain realistic. When you make a promise, knowing you&#039;ll face the public again later, you must be cautious not to raise expectations that might not be met. Still, I hope she’s done the math,” he said.In response to these concerns, Nandi-Ndaitwah clarified during a post-Sona Q&A session yesterday that the state already covers a large share of tertiary education costs.“If one does the calculations, it becomes clear that government already funds a significant portion. Subsidies to public institutions and allocations through the student financial assistance scheme ultimately go to the same institutions. It’s a matter of redirecting these funds. Even if some losses occur, the funding gap would be significantly reduced. If we fall short, the shortfall would not be drastic,” she explained.The president also posed a rhetorical question: “Is borrowing for education really consumption, or is it an investment?"And answered: "I believe education is an investment, with substantial and long-term benefits.”Focus areasIn her main address, Nandi-Ndaitwah outlined her administration’s seven priority areas: agriculture, sports, youth empowerment, quality education and training, creative industries, quality health and social welfare, and land, housing and sanitation.On sports, she announced that construction of six Category 2 stadiums – each with a 10 000-seat capacity – will begin this financial year in Omuthiya, Mariental, Gobabis, Katima Mulilo, Otjiwarongo and Nkurenkuru. For comparison, the Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek seats approximately 10 300 spectators.Additionally, the president pledged the construction and renovation of seven Category 3 stadiums with 30 000-seat capacities in Oshakati, Rundu, Windhoek’s Independence Stadium, Outapi, Swakopmund, Eenhana and Keetmanshoop.“The sports industry plays a significant role in the global economy. We must shift from viewing it solely as entertainment and recognise it as a vehicle for creating livelihoods and generating wealth, particularly for the youth,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said.Living conditions The president also committed to constructing 10 000 low-cost social housing units annually, with a target of 50 000 over the five-year term. She said efforts to formalise informal settlements would begin in earnest.“We are determined to tackle the issue of informal settlements. A national alliance involving the public and private sectors, along with community members, will be key to upgrading these areas and accelerating the delivery of low-cost housing and sanitation,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said. Landless People’s Movement (LPM) leader Bernadus Swartbooi, however, criticised the president’s numerous pledges. “Where is your government heading? You’re making too many bold promises. N$700 million for the formalisation of informal settlements? You’re throwing peanuts at all the problems. When you do that, you won’t solve any,” he said.— nikanoor@nmh-hub.com.na

Mixed reactions to free tertiary education promise

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-01

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Mixed reactions to free tertiary education promise

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-01

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