Erasmus Shalihaxwe
The deputy minister of education, Dino Ballotti, has assured the public that the planned free tertiary education at state institutions will not disadvantage students enrolled at private institutions.
Ballotti made the remarks on Thursday during the first meeting of the Task Force on Free Tertiary Education in Public Institutions, held in Windhoek.
He said funding should follow the student and not the institution, as the aim is to support Namibian learners regardless of where they study.
“While our focus is on public institutions, it is vital to ensure that students enrolled at private institutions are not unjustly disadvantaged, as they too are our Namibian children. Therefore, very importantly, the funding should follow the student, not the private institution,” said Ballotti.
He stressed that making tertiary education free is not just a policy matter but one that requires solid planning, financial discipline, collaboration among stakeholders, and a practical rollout strategy.
“Our Minister has therefore emphasised the need for honest, clear, and fearless deliberations within this task force. We are not here merely to endorse an idea; on the contrary, we are tasked with shaping how this idea can work, how it can be phased in responsibly, and how it can be sustained,” he said.
The meeting follows President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s announcement earlier this year during her inaugural State of the Nation Address that Namibia will introduce free tertiary education at public institutions beginning in the 2026 academic year.
This means registration and tuition fees at public universities and vocational training centres will be fully covered by the state.
Ballotti urged the task force to consider using past models such as the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF)’s grant-based system.
He also suggested that the team explore funding certain priority courses at 100% as part of the initial rollout.
“I equally wish to clarify that non-tuition costs, including accommodation, meals, transport and study materials, will remain the responsibility of the student, at least for now. But that too must be part of our long-term conversation,” he said.
He announced that the Minister had instructed the task force to develop a clear and consistent press statement, as many parents and students are still uncertain about what the new policy covers and how it will be implemented.
“We owe them transparency. As such, one of the first outcomes is the drafting of the press statement on how the ministry envisions introducing free tertiary education in public institutions. Let me underline the urgency of the work of the Task Force. The recommendations of this body must be finalised and submitted to Cabinet before the end of August 2025. I therefore urge that we convene weekly sessions with the seriousness and discipline this responsibility demands,” Ballotti said.
