Allexer Namundjembo
The Popular Democratic Movement Youth League (PDMYL) says recent changes to education policies have left many learners uncertain about their transition from secondary to tertiary education.
PDMYL spokesperson Inajovandu Katjepunda stated that the changes have created confusion and could limit opportunities for further study, especially for learners from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“The growing uncertainty is deeply concerning,” Katjepunda said, adding that policy shifts have directly affected access to higher education.
The Ministry of Education this week released the 2025 national examination results.
According to data from the ministry, only about 36% of Grade 11 learners met the minimum requirements to advance to advanced subsidiary (AS) level.
This leaves most learners without a clear academic pathway unless they repeat or exit the system.
Katjepunda pointed to the closure of the Grade 11 degree pathway, higher admission point thresholds and stricter government funding requirements as key challenges.
She said these changes affect learners across the country, with those from rural and under-resourced schools facing the greatest barriers to further study.
She also pointed to practices at tertiary institutions, where students enrolling under the subsidised education framework must sign declarations accepting responsibility for tuition and registration fees if government funding is not approved.
“While these measures may be administrative in nature, they demonstrate that so-called free tertiary education is conditional,” Katjepunda said on Thursday.
The National African Students’ Association (Nasa) also commented on the current funding framework.
Acting president Elisabeth Silas said the policy limits Grade 11 learners to diploma programmes, even where some meet requirements for degree-level study.
“The continued confinement of Grade 11 candidates to lower qualification levels risks limiting advancement for learners who have met the academic requirements for degree studies,” Silas said.
Nasa called on the government to review the policy and allow qualifying Grade 11 learners access to subsidised degree funding.
Khomas governor Sam Nujoma Jr congratulated learners, teachers and schools, saying the improved performance reflects hard work and a shared commitment to education.
“Our learners have once again demonstrated that hard work and perseverance lead to success. Their achievements are a source of pride for their families, their schools, and the entire region,” Nujoma said.
Nujoma noted that top-performing schools achieved strong results despite challenges such as overcrowded classrooms, difficult home conditions, and limited resources.
The debate around learner progression has widened, with other youth formations also weighing in.
The Swapo Party Youth League (SPYL) welcomed improved results but pointed to ongoing funding challenges beyond Grade 11.
The United Democratic Front (UDF) Youth League asked the Ministry of Education to explain policies that allow learners to complete Grade 11 without guaranteed study pathways or financial support.
At the time of publication, the Ministry of Education had not issued an official response to the positions taken by youth leagues and student organisations.
