Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Shelleygan Petersen
Published on 2024-04-09 17:00:00
The Ministry of Higher Education, Technology, and Innovation oversees seven state-owned enterprises that will cost the government N$4.4 billion in subsidies this year. Higher education minister, Itah Kandjii-Murangi, recently presented a budget allocation of N$4.7 billion for the ministry in the National Assembly.
The seven public enterprises under the ministry’s purview include the National Commission on Research, Science, and Technology (NCRST), the Namibia Training Authority (NTA), the Namibia Qualifications Authority (NQA), the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), the Namibia Student Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF), the University of Namibia (Unam), and the Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust).
Out of the N$4.4 billion allocated for these enterprises in the new financial year, over N$2 billion will be spent on supporting 47,169 students through NSFAF. The breakdown of funds includes N$2.05 billion provided to 20,122 new students and 27,047 continuing students.
The ministry’s budget stands at N$50 million, Unam receives N$1 billion, and Nust is allocated N$505 million. Additionally, the NCRST, NTA, NCHE, and NQA are granted N$45 million, N$470 million, N$20 million, and N$47 million, respectively.
Kandjii-Murangi emphasized the importance of providing adequate funding to public universities like Unam and Nust to ensure equitable access to quality higher education. The ideal budget allocation would see Unam receiving around N$2.1 billion and Nust receiving N$1.1 billion.
Both Unam and Nust have implemented bridging programs to support students who may not meet admission requirements initially. The Unam Preparedness Program was launched following discussions between the government and Unam’s leadership to address this issue.
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