IMELDA AMBONDO
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah says the free education concept driven by her administration is not a charity case but a definite way of empowering Namibian youths and dealing with inequality.
She was speaking at the Namibia University of aScience and Technology Graduation ceremony in a speech read on her behalf by Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare on Friday.
Nandi-Ndaitwah said the decision to implement the free tertiary education concept from the 2026 academic year marked a “historic milestone” for Namibia and a bold step toward equality and prosperity.
Nandi-Ndaitwah reaffirmed her government’s commitment to making education the driving force of Namibia’s development.
“No Namibian student will henceforth not pay registration or tuition fees at our public universities or Technical and Vocational Education and Training Centres. This bold commitment positions Namibia as a global exemplar in investing in the potential of our youth for sustainable national development,” she said.
The President emphasised that the move to free tertiary education is a deliberate investment in Namibia’s most valuable resource which is its people.
She said the policy would ensure that no capable young person is left behind due to financial barriers, adding that a government task force has been established to design a comprehensive roadmap to guide the policy’s implementation.
“Education is the surest path to equality, prosperity, and national progress. By equipping young Namibians with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to thrive, we are building a stronger, fairer, and more prosperous Namibia for generations to come,” she said.
The Head of State also applauded NUST for its pivotal role in driving innovation and research that align with national priorities, noting its growing reputation as a hub for science, technology, and entrepreneurship.
She highlighted the university’s Lüderitz campus, which is strategically located near Namibia’s emerging energy frontier and set to become a centre of excellence in oil, gas, and renewable energy research.
“This collaboration between universities and government illustrates how strategic partnerships can transform potential into lasting prosperity,” she said.
The President further outlined the government’s broader youth empowerment agenda, pointing to the budget of N$257 million National Youth Fund launched earlier this year.
The fund aims to empower young entrepreneurs through financial support, innovation promotion, and job creation.
“By investing in young people’s potential, the government is laying the foundation for a more dynamic, resilient, and inclusive economy,” she said.
Encouraging graduates to embrace technological change, Nandi-Ndaitwah reminded them that the Fourth Industrial Revolution presents immense opportunities for innovation.
“The knowledge you have acquired here has prepared you to engage with these exciting technological advancements. Now it is your responsibility to apply that knowledge in ways that are both innovative and sustainable, from our villages to our cities,” she said.
The President also pointed to Namibia’s huge potential in key sectors such as green hydrogen, oil and gas, agriculture, tourism, and the creative industries, asserting that the country’s greatest wealth will always remain its people.
“As we align education with national priorities, and ensure that no Namibian is left behind, we can build a nation that is inclusive, innovative, and resilient,” she said.
COMMENTS