Record-breaking enrolments at NUST

Increase due to subsidised education
With a record-breaking 23 933 students enrolled and a fresh class of graduates entering the workforce, the 2026 NUST graduation highlighted both the success of Namibia’s educational accessibility and the urgent national call for academic quality.
Rozanne Swart
  • 1 Day Ago

The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) held its 2026 autumn graduation ceremony in Windhoek on 7 and 8 May, marking what university officials described as a milestone year characterised by record student enrolment and a renewed focus on the quality of higher education.

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah delivered the keynote address on Friday, emphasising the importance of maintaining high educational standards. “Education remains the cornerstone and foundation upon which Namibia’s national development agenda is built.”

Nandi-Ndaitwah said the value of higher education lies not only in the number of graduates produced, but in the ability of graduates to apply their knowledge and skills to national development.

NUST acting vice-chancellor Andrew Niikondo said the university recorded a total enrolment of 23 933 students for the current academic year, the highest in its history. He attributed the increase to the government’s subsidised education policy introduced this year.

Of the total student population, 12 103 are female and 11 830 male. Graduation figures also reflected a higher number of female graduates, with 1 775 women graduating compared to 1 187 men.

Nandi-Ndaitwah said the growing number of graduates reflected “a nation that continues to advance in knowledge, inclusion and opportunity”.

NUST council chairperson Leake Hangala thanked the government for introducing subsidised education, saying the policy was expanding access to tertiary education for many young Namibians. “The introduction of subsidised education is expanding access and creating opportunities for so many young Namibians. Investment in education is an investment in the future of our nation.”

Deputy education minister Dino Ballotti also addressed graduates, saying subsidised education was enabling more Namibian youth to pursue tertiary studies. “An educated nation is a prosperous nation,” he said.

Ballotti encouraged graduates to continue developing their skills and applying their knowledge to solve challenges facing Namibia, including water security and innovation.