Africa-Press – Namibia. STUDENT unions are insisting that the University of Namibia (Unam) and the Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust) should let students register while looking for ways to settle their outstanding tuition fees.
This comes after the two universities have said some students owe them N$480 million in total and would therefore not be allowed to register for the 2022 academic year.
National African Students Association (NASA) vice president Paulus Vihemba, however, says the two institutions should let students register, and allow them to settle their debts later.
“Our position, in general, is that these students should be allowed to register, and then be allowed to sign debit orders. Then maybe they [the universities] can withhold the qualifications after completing their studies,” he says.
Vihemba says the institutions could also turn student debts partially into loans so to be paid off when students start working, instead of withholding qualifications.
“The universities know for sure people cannot pay N$50 000 at once, so why don’t they let students who owe them sign agreements to ensure they turn 50% of their debt into a loan, so that when they start working, they will start paying it off?” he asks.
He says NASA does not want students to be excluded academically because they cannot afford to pay the specified amount. Namibia National Students’ Organisation (Nanso) spokesperson Esther Shakela yesterday said the organisation believes students should not be denied an education because they cannot pay a specific amount.
“This has always been a challenge that students face at the beginning of every year. Even towards the end of the year you will find there are some institutions which refuse to give students their qualifications, because they haven’t settled their fees,” she said.
Shakela said the stakeholders involved must find an amicable solution to accommodate all students. No student should be disadvantaged because of financial constraints, she said.
Unam spokesperson John Haufiku said current and former students collectively owe the university about N$400 million. He said students are always required to settle outstanding debts or make arrangements at the discretion of the bursar.
“Student fees are the contribution that students or their guardians are required to make to help fund higher education. Higher education, like any service, is not free,” he said.
Haufiku said students’ with accounts that demonstrate commitment are usually treated better than those who make no effort throughout the year. “As one of the most affordable universities in the region, it takes as little as N$500 a month to keep a good account for most courses,” he said.
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