The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports and Culture's (MEIYSAC) Deputy Minister, Dino Ballotti, officially opened the first deliberative session of the newly constituted National Task Force on Free Education in tertiary institutions today.

The task force was established with a mandate to develop a comprehensive roadmap toward free tertiary education. A key objective is to submit a detailed implementation plan, complete with clear and actionable timelines, to Cabinet by the end of August 2025.

During this inaugural session, members discussed strategies and frameworks that will guide the nation’s journey toward accessible and affordable higher education for all Namibians. The outcomes and progress of the task force will be communicated to the public through regular media releases, ensuring transparency and nationwide engagement in this critical initiative.

The task force comprises representatives from key institutions, including MEIYSAC, the University of Namibia (UNAM), Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST), the Namibia Qualifications Authority (NQA), the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF), the Namibia Training Authority (NTA), the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), and Namibia College of Open Learning (NAMCOL), among others. Additional entities may be co-opted as necessary to enrich the task force’s expertise and reach.

Photo Credit: Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports and Culture (MEIYSAC)