Graduates who obtained their degrees but whose specialisations are not specified on their degrees will not be considered for recruitment to teach in the junior primary phase.

This decision by the Ministry of Education, Arts, and Culture aims to streamline teacher placements.

However, the Student Union of Namibia has criticised the ministry's decision.

The Ministry of Education, Arts, and Culture has identified that certain teacher training institutions do not specify the appropriate specialisation or phase of teaching in their professional qualifications for the Junior Primary Phase, Pre-primary to Grade 3, nor the medium of instruction for which teachers are certified.

This oversight has led to significant challenges for the ministry in placing teachers appropriately in the junior primary phase.

For instance, some qualifications only state general titles like "Early Learning Development Pre-Primary Teaching Diploma NQF Level 6" or "Diploma in Early Childhood and Pre-Primary NQF," without specifying the exact specialisation needed for clear placement.

The Student Union of Namibia says it has consulted affected institutions and found that the teachers are qualified, with their specialisations clearly indicated on their academic records, even though not indicated on the qualification.

Students' Union of Namibia president Benhard Kavau, expressing his disappointment, requested that the ministry consider recruiting the affected graduates during ongoing negotiations while institutions reprint the necessary qualification documents with involvement from the Namibia Qualifications Authority.

SUN's Secretary for Basic Education Arts and Culture, Intelligence Katire, also requested that the Education Ministry reconsider its decision.

Kavau says the situation is responsible for creating anxiety among unemployed graduates.

He warned that if their request is ignored, the graduates will stage protests at the ministry's regional offices until their demands are addressed.