Nursing grads urged to buck steep licensing exam failure rates

Namibia's deputy health minister, Suzan Ndjaleka, has challenged graduating nursing students at Welwitchia University to avoid joining the thousands of nursing graduates who have failed the country's national licensing examination, urging them to turn their qualifications into competent professional practice.

More than 2 600 nursing graduates, including candidates from I-Care Health Training Institute, have failed the exam since it became compulsory for locally trained nurses in January 2025, prompting national concern and debate over the quality of institutional

"A recent national report shows that 2 683 nursing graduates across the country did not pass the licensing examination to practise in Namibia, a stark reminder that knowledge must translate into impact, not into statistics of failure," she said at the university's 9th official graduation ceremony in Windhoek last week.

"I charge each of you nursing graduates to ensure you do not become part of the failing statistics but instead demonstrate the excellence this institution trains for by passing the national exam,” she added.

The university celebrated the graduation of 982 nursing students, alongside graduates from its other schools and academic programmes.

Ndjaleka also praised Welwitchia for producing graduates who have earned the confidence of healthcare professionals.

"Welwitchia University has earned a strong reputation among industry partners, including practitioners within the Ministry of Health and Social Services, for producing nurses who excel in both theory and clinical practice," she said.

Knowledge into impact

Referring to the graduation theme, 'From Knowledge to Impact: Shaping the Future', she said universities must produce graduates capable of solving real-world problems rather than merely accumulating qualifications.

"Knowledge by itself does not change lives," the deputy minister said.

"Impact requires that knowledge be translated into action, into products, policies, partnerships, performances and practices that improve people's lives."