Hertta-Maria Amutenja
The government has submitted documents detailing how it appointed a new principal for Windhoek High School.
This follows claims by the school board that the ministry of education ignored proper procedures and left the board out of key parts of the hiring process.
In court papers filed at the Windhoek High Court, the school board, led by chairperson Tertius Stears, is asking the court to set aside the appointment of Teofilus Nuugulu.
His appointment was set to begin on 6 May 2025. The board argues the process was not transparent and failed to follow the Basic Education Act of 2020.
Nuugulu, currently principal at Okahandja Secondary School, scored 61.2% during interviews held earlier this year.
He ranked first among seven candidates. But the board believes that a score is not enough for someone leading a school like Windhoek High.
“The highest interview score of 61% is considerably below the standard we expect for a leadership role of this significance. Windhoek High School has long maintained a reputation for excellence, and we believe this must be reflected in the calibre of its leadership,” the court record reads.
The board says the education ministry pushed forward with the appointment despite concerns about the candidates.
The board also objects to having only an observer role during interviews.
It had no say in choosing candidates, setting interview questions, or running assessments.
“In accordance with the Basic Education Act, the governance of a state school is entrusted to its school board. We believe that it is vital for the school board to be fully engaged in the recruitment process for a school principal to ensure transparency and accountability,” the review states.
The court record highlights three main concerns: the low overall performance of candidates, unclear scoring practices, and the board’s limited role in the process.
The ministry of education responded by filing documents with the Teaching Service Committee.
These include interview minutes, shortlisting criteria, the panellists’ oath of secrecy, written test results, and all employment applications.
The file also contains the original job advert, a breakdown of interview scores, a schedule of all applicants, and Cabinet approval to fill the post.
The court documents confirmed the ministry’s issuance of an offer letter and transfer to Nuugulu.
The principal position became vacant in 2023.
The recruitment process ended earlier this year, and Nuugulu’s appointment was announced soon after.
The court has postponed the matter for hearing this week.
The ministry is expected to file opposing papers.
