Africa-Press – Namibia. PROVIDING quality education to citizens is a fundamental pillar of the Namibian government’s vision to build a nation that is prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable, said President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah during the graduation ceremony of the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) in Windhoek.
“It is through education that we transform lives, communities, and nations,” she said.
The full speech follows:
“With immense pride and profound joy, I stand before you today to honour and celebrate this momentous occasion of graduation, a milestone that marks not only personal achievement but also collective progress. Providing quality education to our citizens is a fundamental pillar of our government’s vision to build a prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable Namibia.
It is through education that we transform lives, communities, and nations. Your success today is a symbol of what is possible when we invest in our young people, and it is a reminder that education is not only about personal gain but about contributing to the collective progress of society.
Graduation is a moment of triumph — the culmination of years of sacrifice, discipline, and determination. But it is also a moment of promise. The promise of what lies ahead: your ability to lead, to serve, to innovate, and to uplift. In you, our graduands, I see the heartbeat of Namibia’s future.
Director of Ceremonies,
When I delivered my maiden State of the Nation Address earlier this year, and once again at the recently concluded United Nations General Assembly in New York, I proudly announced a historic milestone for our nation: from the 2026 academic year, tertiary education will be fully subsidised by the Government. No Namibian student will henceforth pay registration or tuition fees at our public universities or Technical and Vocational Education and Training Centres. This bold commitment not only affirms our unwavering dedication to inclusive and accessible education but also positions Namibia as a global exemplar in investing in the potential of our youth for sustainable national development.
This bold step is rooted in our conviction that education is the surest path to equality, prosperity, and national progress. We know that for too many families, the cost of higher education has stood as a barrier to their dreams. By removing this barrier, we are opening the doors of opportunity to every young Namibian, regardless of background.
Free tertiary education is not charity. It is an investment in our most valuable national resource — our people. By equipping young Namibians with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to thrive, we are building a stronger, fairer, and more prosperous Namibia for generations to come. Education is not only for personal advancement but also for contributing to the wider society.
Subsequently, I commissioned a task force with a clear mandate to chart a comprehensive implementation roadmap, setting out the technical, financial, and policy frameworks that will guide the phased introduction of free tertiary education and soon this will be rolled out.
Furthermore, I take great pride in the pivotal role that institutions such as the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) will play in driving this new era of educational reform, shaping the minds and skills that will define our nation’s future. As one of Namibia’s institutions of higher learning, this University serves as a hub for innovation,
research, and applied knowledge. It will continue to produce the scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, and leaders Namibia needs to build a prosperous and sustainable future.
Dear Graduands,
Among the government’s recent key achievements is the launch and operationalisation of a N$257 million National Youth Fund budgeted for in this Financial Year, a landmark initiative designed to empower young entrepreneurs. This fund not only provides vital financial support but also fosters innovation, job creation, and economic self-reliance. By
investing in young people’s potential, the government is laying the foundation for a more dynamic, resilient, and inclusive economy, ensuring that the energy and creativity of the next generation drive Namibia’s long-term prosperity. Technological advancements and innovation are changing every aspect of how we live, work, and interact with each other. As we all know, we are currently amidst the Fourth Industrial Revolution where digital transformation, artificial intelligence, automation, and new technologies are reshaping the global economy. In this context, I want to encourage every one of you, the youth of Namibia, to harness your creativity and innovation towards societal development. The knowledge you have acquired here at NUST has prepared you to engage with these exciting technological advancements, but now, it is your responsibility to apply that knowledge in ways that are both innovative and sustainable.
Apply this knowledge to our households, our villages, our regions all of over Namibia. The future belongs to those who not only adapt to change, and therefore it is our hope that you the graduands will drive it.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Namibia stands at the cusp of immense opportunity — from the promise of oil and gas to the transformative potential of green hydrogen, to the enduring strength of agriculture, tourism, and the creative industries. But our greatest wealth will always be our people, our young people.
By aligning education with national priorities, by forging partnerships between Government, academia, and industry, and by ensuring that no Namibian is left behind, we can build a nation that is inclusive, innovative, and resilient.
NUST has exemplified this vision through its Lüderitz campus, strategically positioned near our emerging energy frontier, and poised to become a centre of excellence for training and research in the oil and gas sector. This collaboration between universities and government illustrates how strategic partnerships can transform potential into lasting prosperity.
Esteemed guests,
In closing, I want to congratulate parents and guardians that are present here and those at home. This day is as much yours as it is your children that are graduating today. You planted a seed of hope in them and today that seed is proudly graduating.
CONGRATULATIONS!
I want to once again congratulate you our graduands on your hard work and achievement.
I am confident that you will go on to make a meaningful difference in Namibia, Africa and beyond. The future is in your hands, and I have no doubt that you will rise to the challenge and contribute to making Namibia a beacon of prosperity, innovation, and unity.
I wish you all the very best in your future endeavours. May the knowledge you have gained here guide you as you embark on a path of success, service, and leadership.”
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