Plans are underway to transform the Namibia College of Open Learning (NAMCOL) into a fully-fledged open university, Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture Dino Ballotti has announced.
Ballotti made the announcement during NAMCOL’s graduation ceremony in Windhoek on Thursday, where about 130 students graduated in various fields under the theme “Navigating Economic Uncertainty in a Changing World.”
“It gives me much pride to confirm that the plans are underway to transform NAMCOL into an open university,” Ballotti said.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s support for the transformation, stressing that the initiative should not be viewed as a NAMCOL project alone, but as a national priority. “I really want this to be realised next year,” Ballotti said.
The proposed transformation is expected to broaden NAMCOL’s role beyond its existing open-learning programmes, creating a more comprehensive institution offering higher education opportunities through flexible and accessible learning. Existing secondary-level open schooling and certificate programmes are expected to continue alongside the expanded higher-education framework.
The transformation will, however, require changes to the legislation that established NAMCOL under the Namibia College of Open Learning Act, Act 1 of 1997, paving the way for the institution to operate within a university framework.
Ballotti said NAMCOL had restored confidence and provided second chances to people from different age groups, while urging graduates to work with honesty and apply their skills where they are most needed.
NAMCOL Chief Executive Officer Nghepathimo Kadhila encouraged graduates to turn their achievements into meaningful social and economic contributions at both national and international levels.
Kadhila also challenged the perception that NAMCOL graduates are somehow less qualified because the institution provides opportunities for people to improve their education. “We are not second-hand graduates. We are fully fledged graduates and on the same level as graduates from other institutions,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Sonia Shiindi encouraged her fellow graduates to remain persistent and challenge existing circumstances. “Let’s be bold in our pursuit, taking risks and challenging the status quo. Let’s not be afraid to fail, for it’s through our failures that we learn and grow,” Shiindi said.
By Rudi Bowe
