31 January 2017

IUM on Strategic Re-Alignment

As part of the International University of Management (IUM)’s growth strategy, the privately owned university plans to transform its Swakopmund campus into a Research, Consultancy and Short Course Centre of high repute and construct a regional academic campus in Walvis Bay, which has a larger student population and is better equipped to handle a greater number of students. Read more

Namcol Introduces Block Tuition

As part of its strategy to increase the pass-rate among its learners, the Namibia College of Open Learning (NamcoL) has introduced a block tuition system. Read more

Nanso Threatens Action over High Tuition Fees

The Namibian student organization, Nanso, says should the University of Namibia deny its members access to tertiary education due to high registration and tuition fees, they would not hesitate to act. Read more

NTA Collects N$800m in Training Levy

The Namibia Training Authority collected N$809 million from 2 703 employers at the end of 2016. Addressing the media in Windhoek yesterday, higher education minister, Itah Kandjii-Murangi said 50% of the levy is paid back to employers based on evidence that they had trained their employees. Read more

Orphans’ Opportunity to Apply For Scholarship

Japanese-based organisation, Ashinaga Africa Initiative 2017 and the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund are giving Namibian orphans the opportunity to apply for a scholarship. Read more

Repeaters Advised To Use Private Colleges

The permanent secretary of Education, Arts and Culture Sanet Steenkamp says Grade 10 and 12 repeaters that failed to secure space at Namcol can also make use of private learning institutions. Read more

Tertiary Institutions Urged To Comply With Admission Criteria

There is a general concern that some of the institutions of higher learning in the country are lowering their admission criteria, a situation seen by many as compromising the quality of education and ultimately undermining the requirements of the job market. Read more

Thousands to Miss Out on Namcol

The dreams of thousands of young people hoping to repeat Grade 12 this year will be dashed, because Namcol is unable to register all the people that failed to obtain the necessary grades for entry to tertiary institutions. Read more

Veya Opens Doors to NUST Interns

The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) has signed an agreement with Veya Information Technologies whereby the latter will accommodate students through a Work Integrated Learning (WIL) programme.

Vocational Education Graduate Establishes Thriving Firm

Ongwediva-Vocational education has birthed a Namibian company that currently employs 180 salaried workers. The firm called Water Engineering Africa has its headquarters in Ongwediva – however its areas of operation are not only confined to the north but spread throughout the country. Read more

VTCs Offer Much-Needed Skills

Simeon Haihambo, the Swapo Party Youth League (SPYL) secretary for education, pioneer movement and culture, is encouraging learners who could not secure places in Grade 11 and tertiary institutions to enrol at various vocational centres across the country. Read more

Whose Curriculum, and for Whom?

Our country is again thrust into the debate about what is wrong with our education system after the release of Grade 10 and Grade 12 examination results. Read more

 

15 November 2016

Distance Learning an Affordable Option

As technology has changed, so has the definition of distance learning, videotaped lectures or audio tapes have been used in tertiary education around the world for many years. Read more

Huge Recognition for NQA Boss

The head of the Namibia Qualifications Authority (NQA) Franz Gertze has been selected to serve on the board of directors of an international organisation with a 280-strong membership and which deals with the practice of quality assurance in higher education. Read more

Namibia Signs Agreement with Belarus

Namibia and Belarus have agreed to exchange information on technological, financial, educational, training and scientific capabilities. Read more

Technology Vital For Cultural Heritage

The Minister of Information and Technology, has appealed to government, academia, civil society partners and local communities to work together to ensure that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is applied to the cultural and creative sectors to contribute to more effective and sustainable development programmes in Namibia. Read more

University Not Only the Road to Education

Education comes in many forms, but here in Namibia we all still aspire to attending some form of tertiary education. The University of Namibia (Unam) and the Namibian University of Science and Technology (NUST) of course spring to mind. Read more

 

31 October 2016

China-Trained Clinical Medicine Students Return

The first eight medical students who completed their studies in clinical medicine in China with funding from the Namibia-China Loving Heart Organisation (NCLHO), have returned home to serve their country. Read more

Distance Learning Has Massive Potential

Open and distance learning (ODL) has the potential to contribute and positively impact the lives of many Namibians, as it grants learners access to quality education especially those in remote areas. Read more

Gain Work Experience with the CATS Programme

Imagine that after four long years, you have finally gotten your degree. Your course, however, has not allowed you any internship training and the job you’re looking for requires three years of experience in the job market. So what next? Read more

Higher Education Is ‘Not a Privilege’

The DTA has criticised the government and the University of Namibia following student protest that disrupted exams for two days. Read more

Just Pay Up, Minister Tells Students

It has become a habit for students not to pay. They wait until the last two weeks, and hope that we will allow them to write the exams. But the institution can only render quality education if they pay. Read more

Private University in the Pipeline

Plans to set up a private university through a joint venture next year in Windhoek are being kept under wraps, as negotiations with international universities are said to be underway. Read more

Unam Southern Campus Records Growth

The Unam Southern Campus is the university’s fastest-growing campus and is currently ranked 5th out of the 12 Unam campuses in terms of student enrolment. Read more

Student Leader Advises Fellows to Prepare Well

23-year-old student at the University of Namibia (Unam), Kun-Hilde Imvula, is advising fellow students to study hard in preparation for the final examinations. Read more

Student Nurses Demand Payment of Study Loans

Irate students from Oshakati Regional Health Training Centre say their unemployed and lowly paid parents are forced to borrow money to pay their tuition fees because their study loans have not been paid. Read more

Tertiary Fees Time Bomb Ticks

Since South African students took to the streets to demonstrate against university fees, there have been mixed feelings as far as the students’ action is concern. Read more

The State of Education in Namibia

It has been a whirlwind of a year for Namibia in terms of education. Thanks to the #FeesMustFall movement in South Africa, outrage was felt in the heart of Namibian students as they protested over fees in the #VarsityLockdown struggle earlier this year, in part leading to the teacher’s strike recently. Read more

 

30 September 2016

Best Uukule Learner Says Learning Is Simple and Easy

Although the road to knowledge may have obstacles, learning is simple and easy, says the best learner at Uukule Senior Secondary School in the Onyaanya Constituency of Oshikoto Region, Martha Amunyela. Read more

PM Calls for Courageous Graduates

The Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila has urged International University of Management students to remain courageous and strong, as they face the challenge of breaking into the job market, after graduating. Read more

Namibia Rises One Place in Competitiveness

Access to financing, followed by an inadequately educated workforce and inefficient government bureaucracy, are listed in the report as the most problematic factors for doing business in Namibia. Read more

NCHE Received an International Star Award for Quality

The National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) in Geneva, Switzerland, received an International Star Award for Quality in the Gold Category from the Spain-based Business Initiative Directions (BID) for Commitment to Quality, Leadership, Technology and Innovation in pursuit of excellence. Read more

Search for Stand-in Teachers is Illegal-Labour Expert Warns the Government

The government’s attempt to replace striking teachers is unlawful and could incite anger and violence, says labour expert. Read more

Students Shine at World skills

The overall winner of the WorldSkills Namibia competition might be going to study in South Korea at one of the technical colleges there, sponsored by the South Korean government, on an all-expenses paid basis for three years. Read more

You Have Until Today – Teachers Warn

Teachers in Khomas Region yesterday vented their anger over what they termed ‘delaying tactics’ by government regarding their wage demands, and have given their employer until today to finalise the strike rules. Read more

 

15 September 2016

242 Artisans Graduate from RVTC

The Rundu Vocational Training Centre on Friday awarded certificates to 242 graduates, who successfully completed their training in various technical trades, enabling them to become skilled workmen. Read more

Bogus Training Institutions to Face the Music

The Namibia Qualifications Authority (NQA) and the line ministry is in the process of amending one of its Acts which will make accreditation compulsory for institutions offering training courses and unrecognised qualifications to students. Read more

Engineer Refuses To Supervise Black Trainee

A registered engineer, told trainee engineer that he will not supervise her because she is black and the government wants to drive out whites from the country. Read more

Ministry Won’t Bail Out Unam Defaulters

The Ministry of Higher Education, Training and Innovation says it will not overrule the University of Namibia’s plan to bar students who owe money from writing exams. Read more

Monique Kröhne on The Road to Harvard

Finding the right university can be a difficult task, especially if the institution of your choice does not have the course you are looking for. Read more

Revised Education Act to be Tabled Soon

This comes after the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture reviewed the Education Act of 2001 to harmonise it with the latest developments and current needs of the education system. Read more

Tjivikua on NUST’s Role in Technical Education

University of Science and Technology (NUST) vice-chancellor, says there is a need to train instructors in technical education didactics for the effective transfer of skills. Read more

University of Namibia Opens Campus Expansion Contest

The University of Namibia (UNAM) has launched an open international competition to expand its Katima Mulilo campus. Read more

Will You Lose Your Job To A Robot?

The fields of arts and science may end up as the last bastions of human occupations, as new technologies render certain jobs obsolete. Read more

 

31 August 2016

NUST to Host Second Programming Contest

New ground was explored when the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST)’s Faculty of Computing and Informatics hosted an exciting two-day programming competition. Read more

Unam Students Learn About Road Safety

The National Road Safety Council (NRSC) and the University of Namibia (Unam) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a view to raising awareness about road safety among students and to benefit road safety institutions through the research support of tertiary institutions. Read more

Vocational Training Enjoys Emphasis

Central to the development agenda of developing countries is the strengthening and capacity building of technical and vocational education and training. Read more

 

31 July 2016

Lock the Board Chairmen Up

There were media reports of N$2 million that was ‘found’ to be missing from the Marine Resources Fund. Read more

More NUST Programmes Accredited

NUST received Certificates of Accreditation for eight programmes from the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) in consultation with the Namibia Qualifications Authority (NQA). Read more

Namibia Must Improve on Education and Training

In light of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and UNESCO delegations visiting the country, the Windhoek Observer’s recently had a one on one interview with the Head of Office and Representative of UNESCO to Namibia, to touch base on the mission’s findings. Read more

NCHE Lauded for Critical Development Role

The critical role played by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) in the country’s development was once again emphasised last week, when the quality assurance body awarded certificates of registration to six private higher education institutions in Windhoek. Read more

Training In White Meat Production

The love for white meat and the prevailing drought has pushed retired teacher Amon Uiseb to start a company with the hope of training Namibians in pig, chicken and aquaculture farming. Read more

 

15 July 2016

Govt Rescues Engineers

The government has directed three ministries to facilitate the placement of engineering graduates and students for internships which will be paid by the state. Read more

Marginalised Students Perform Poorly at Tertiary Level

The Deputy Minister of Marginalised Communities, has expressed concern over the poor performance of students from marginalised communities at tertiary institutions. Read more

Namport Opens Purse to Fund 25 Tertiary Students

Namibia, according to Vision 2030, will transition into an industrialised and globally competitive country offering equal opportunity and realising its maximum growth potential in a sustainable manner, with improved quality of life for all Namibians. Read more

 

30 June 2016

Kandjii-Murangi Tackles NSFAF Woes

The Ministry of Higher Education, Training and Innovation is set to meet with the management of the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) to discuss the reported infighting and power struggles at the institution. Read more

Loan Holders Left Stranded in Russia

About 50 Namibian students in Russia have been left stranded with no means of returning home after completing their studies, and face deportation to their home country. Read more

Namibia Higher Education Gets Reviewed

The country whose population is just above 2.2 million still has a vast shortage of skills needed to deal with poverty and inequalities largely because the education being offered does not prepare the graduates for real life situations. Read more

NSFAF Lost Data While Relocating

Higher education minister said the beleaguered Namibian Students’ Financial Assistance Fund could have lost data files while relocating to the new premises. Read more

NUST to Host Indian IT Centre

The Namibia University of Science and Technology will host the centre of excellence on information technology which will soon be set up by the Indian government. Read more

Unam Fires Deputy Dean

The University of Namibia has dismissed its deputy dean of students following a drawn-out suspension over alleged irregularities. Read more

 

15 June 2016

IUM and NCCI Talk to Tackle Skills Gaps

In attempt to fill the plug in the existing gaps in the labour market in order to produce demand-driven graduates, the International University of Management (IUM) and the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry met to explore ways in which the two institutions can collaborate. Read more

Notes from Educators’ Conference

The challenges facing our education system are real and daunting. But the experience was electric and inspiring. And the presentations and discussions were far-reaching. Read more

No Refunds for NSFAF Students

Beneficiaries of the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) have never received refunds. Read more

NSFAF Bosses Hit the Jackpot

The Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) board members who were appointed in January last year have been claiming sitting fees like never before. Read more

NUST Opens Online Radio Station

The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) recently opened its online radio station, NUST FM, to serve as a source of information and entertainment for its students and host communities. Read more

 

15 May 2016

Govt to Assist Graduates Get Jobs

Prime Minister has expressed government’s commitment to ensure graduates in the country are absorbed into the labour market. Read more

Government to Help 3 000 Under-Qualified Teachers

The Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture has introduced measures to help elevate unqualified and underqualified teachers currently on its books to start with tailor-made in-service training to help them upgrade their credentials. Read more

HP Unam Campus ‘Now Safe For Students’

The University of Namibia’s Hifikepunye Pohamba campus in Ongwediva, which was one of the focal areas of concern for operation, is now considered safe. Read more

NSFAF in Deeper Trouble

An independent auditing firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers, says the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund failed to provide documents to verify the loans and scholarships they issued. Read more

NSFAF Explains Changes to Payments System

The Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund has a new payment system because the old system gave problems. Read more

NUST Makes Progress with Student Debt

Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) says no student whose accounts are in arrears by end of June will be allowed to write examinations. Read more

Unam to Introduce School of Architecture

The University of Namibia (Unam) is in the process of setting up a School of Architecture. Read more

 

30 April 2016

Conservation Research Station Opened at Impalila

The University of Namibia (Unam) Katima Mulilo campus on Monday launched a biodiversity conservation and tourism development research project station at the Impalila Island. Read more

Fewer Graduate from Unam at Katima

Katima Mulilo Unam Campus registered its lowest number of graduates in recent years, as only 45 students – both in upper and lower primary degree courses. Read more

Higher Education to be Reviewed

Higher education minister said they are reviewing the technical, vocational and training components of the higher education system in Namibia. Read more

NSFAF Cannot Account for Billions

The latest Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund audit report shows that the institution failed to account for more than N$2,7 billion between 2009 and 2010. Read more

Nam Student Designs Reusable Menstrual Cup

It is estimated that some girls in Africa miss up to 10% of their education due to menstruation because they don’t have access to the right items to make them feel clean and comfortable. Read more

NUST to Help Solve Water and Sanitation Problems

The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Seecon International GMBH. Read more

Unam Gets Land to Expand Katima Campus

The Katima Mulilo Town Council has donated land to the University of Namibia for the institution to expand its campus. Read more

Unam Produces First−Ever Medical Doctors

The graduation of the first locally trained doctors is a declaration to the world that Namibia is slowly but surely moving away from being dependent on other countries’ expertise. Read more

 

15 April 2016

136 Namibians Pursue Vocational Training in SADC

Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) has finally made it possible for students who did not obtain university admission grades in Grade 12 and those with Grade 10 to receive technical and vocational fields in other SADC countries. Read more

A Job or University?

In most cases, the consequences of our decisions are unpredictable if we do not evaluate and analyse the results of our decisions in the long term. Read more

NUST First Graduation Later This Month

The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) will soon have its first graduation ceremony where over 1 000 students will graduate with qualifications from various faculties. Read more

NUST to Recover Student Debts

Following a students’ victory in January against the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) over registration and tuition fees this year that saw student registering for free, NUST has now started debt recovery from students with the end of April as deadline. Read more

Questionable Bursary Funding

Namibians are largely involved in self-enriching scandals and the awarding of educational loans this year was biased. Read more

Unam Downplays Library Flood Damage

The University of Namibia (Unam) has dismissed reports that a water leakage in the library at its main campus caused considerable damage to books and computers. Read more

 

1 April 2016

Amukoto Advises Fellows to Take Education Serious

One of the smartest students at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), is advising all young people to pay more attention to their studies as education is the key to success. Read more

Aspiring Medical Student Appeals for Funding

The future of a young Namibian man looks bleak as he struggles to raise funds for his studies at a medical school in Russia. Read more

Logistics Research Seminar Series Launched

The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) based Namibian-German Centre for Logistics (NGCL) launched a research seminar series this week as part of its drive to join global university rankings. Read more

 

15 March 2016

NUST on Autopilot

The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) has been without a council for more than four months, thereby making vice chancellor very powerful. Read more

Youth Seek Prime Minister’s Help

SIX Namibian graduates from a Cuban university yesterday told Prime Minister that they cannot find jobs. Read more

 

29 February 2016

Haufiku on Issues confronting UNAM

The University of Namibia (Unam), the largest public tertiary institution in Namibia, has of late been involved in various issues ranging from student protests, appointments of locals into leadership jobs, as well as axing some of its senior officials for alleged tender fraud. Read more

Out of Protocol – Fees Must Fall

NAMIBIAN academic institutions and our higher education establishment would do well to learn the lessons of the ‘Fees Must Fall’ protests in South Africa. Read more

 

15 February 2016

IUM Launch Centre for Institutional Improvement and Performance

A new Centre for Institutional Improvement and Performacne (CIIP) has opened at the International University of Management (IUM) to meet the growing demand for quality executive and professional training locally. Read more

Nampower Awards 21 Bursaries

As a responsible corporate citizen NamPower contributes immensely to the education of young Namibians. The allocation of new bursaries annually forms part of NamPower’s contribution and commitment to the education sector. Read more

Southern Campus Ready for First Graduates

Six students will this year become the first graduates of Unam Southern campus since its inception in 2014. Read more

Unam Warns Students

The University of Namibia’s vice chancellor, has threatened to expel any student who dares to undemocratically lock down the campus. Read more

 

January 2016

Govt Clarifies Tertiary Education Fees

Higher Education Minister has clarified that tertiary education in Namibia is not yet free, despite the decision last week to allow university students to register without having to pay a fee. Read more

Grade 12 Results Show 10% Drop in University Admissions

It also shows that the performance, if measured against Namibia’s Fourth National Development Plan (NDP4) desired outcome number two which aims for the increase in the percentage of learners meeting admission requirements to universities on 25 points. Read more

Major Boost for Fablab from USA

The sponsorship, which consists of two commercial licenses and ten educational licenses of a software programme known as SolidWorks, was facilitated by Alex Zavatone who had taught an IOS development course at NUST during late last year. Read more

New Year Ushers in New Higher Education Funding Formula

Namibian higher education funding will be based on a new formula from the 2016-17 academic year. The country now calculates operational funds based on the number of courses, which translate into credit units, for which a student is registered. Read more

No Reprieve for Failed English Students

Learners with an E Symbol in Grade 12 English should not be denied an opportunity to further their studies at tertiary institutions, Education, Arts and Culture Ministry Permanent Secretary Sanet Steenkamp has said. Read more

NUST Students Still Have To Pay

Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) Vice Chancellor Professor Tjama Tjivikua yesterday said the university’s registration fees of N$3 500 have not been scrapped, as widely believed, and must be settled before students sit for exams in June. Read more

UNAM Directed To Register Students Unable To Pay

The Minister of Higher Education, Training and Innovation has directed the University of Namibia (Unam) to allow students to register for the 2016 academic year without having paid a registration fee, specifically those unable afford it. Read more

Students Demo Hits Unam Northern Campus

Operations at the Hifikepunye Pohamba Unam Campus at Ongwediva ground to a halt when students demonstrated against paying registration fees. Read more

 

December 2015

No University Fee Increase

The Ministry of Higher Education, Training and Innovation has said that it is unaware of proposals to increase tuition fees at the country’s two biggest universities, the University of Namibia (UNAM) and the newly-renamed University of Science and Technology (UST) previously known as the Polytechnic of Namibia, next year.  Read more

NTA, GIZ Set to Address Skills Shortage

In the hope of addressing the skills shortage in the country, the Namibia Training Authority and the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ) signed a Promotion of Vocational Education and Training (ProVET) agreement. Read more

Teachers need better training in vernaculars

The Secretary-General of the Namibia National Teachers’ Union (Nantu) says the education ministry should equip teachers who teach first languages with the right resources. Read more

UNAM Increases Fees

Hot on the heels of violent protests in neighbouring South Africa over university fee hikes, the University of Namibia has announced that come registration 2016, their fees will increase by 7,5%. Read more

 

November 2015

Geingob orders PM to Sort out Polytechnic The President has instructed Prime Minister to sort out the problems afflicting the leadership of the Polytechnic of Namibia Council. Read more

International Relations Strengthened at NUST Delegations from Germany’s Justus Liebig University (JLU) and South Africa’s North West University (NWU) visited NUST recently to strengthen relations between the three institutions. Read more

NUST Council Booted Out Minister of Higher Education, Training and Innovation has informed members of The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) Council that their term of office will come to an end this month. Read more

Students Should Study and Struggle The vision of that global institution for the African continent is rather a network of privately-owned community colleges instead of universities. Read more

 

 

September 2015

Graduating from University with Debt For the majority of tertiary students, the loans they take through the Namibia Student Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) [and other private loans] actually provide them opportunities which they otherwise would not have to afford their education. Read more