During her first state of the nation address on 24 April, president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah made a monumental announcement: As of the 2026 academic year, the Namibian government will provide fully subsidised tertiary education at all state-run universities and vocational training institutions. This initiative seeks to remove the financial burden of tuition and registration costs, allowing more Namibians to access higher education – regardless of their economic background. While this policy has been met with widespread excitement, it has also raised notable concerns, as citizens celebrate its potential while questioning its implementation and long-term impact. Without a doubt, this emerging policy is a transformative step towards educational equity. Lifting financial barriers opens doors for students from disadvantaged backgrounds who previously could not afford tertiary education. This, in turn, will contribute to the nation’s skills development, addressing the excessively high youth unemployment rate and fostering economic advancement. While the benefits are undeniable, this new initiative is also met with apprehension regarding the quality of education and the sustainability of these institutions under full government subsidy. It is crucial that the state prioritise deliberate efforts and strategic planning to ensure the standards and quality of higher education do not suffer unintended setbacks. Over the years, we’ve seen how several state-funded institutions in Namibia – especially in health and basic education – often struggle to deliver services effectively. These challenges usually stem from issues like poor planning, a lack of accountability, slow administrative processes, and inconsistent funding. There’s a genuine worry that our universities could face similar problems if they’re not properly managed under the new subsidy system. If funding is mishandled or if performance standards aren’t clear, we could end up with similar inefficiencies, outdated equipment, underpaid staff, and a general decline in academic excellence. That’s why it’s crucial for the government to put strong systems in place from the very beginning, making sure public universities don’t just survive on state funding, but grow and improve through it. Thus, adequate funding is essential to maintaining these higher education institutions. Ensuring the standard of the entities and the quality of education is upheld and elevated must remain a priority. A strong educational system is the backbone of national development, and I remain optimistic that with competent execution and an unwavering commitment to excellence – keeping the best interests of Namibian scholars at the heart of every decision – this policy holds the potential to transform and uplift the lives of Namibians. I am excited about what lies ahead and look forward to witnessing more progressive reforms. This, indeed, feels like the beginning of a new dawn for Namibian tertiary education. Celda Amakali The post A New Dawn for Namibian Tertiary Education appeared first on The Namibian.