The National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) on Thursday celebrated its 20th anniversary with the official inauguration of its new headquarters, named the Dr. Joseph Ngavirue House in honour of the institution's founding chairperson.
Vice President Lucia Witbooi officially inaugurated the building, with the Ngavirue family, Deputy Minister of Education Dino Balloti, and other dignitaries in attendance.
NCHE Chief Executive Officer Dr. Sylvia Demas traced the council's evolution since its establishment in 2003 under Ngavirue's leadership, noting that it is now serving under its fifth council, chaired by Prof. Samuel John, with Hannu Shipena as Executive Director.
Over the past 20 years, the council has registered 17 private higher education institutions, accredited more than 500 programmes, conducted 11 institutional audits, hosted 11 annual public lectures, carried out three national graduate survey cycles and published 12 Namibia Higher Education Statistics Yearbooks.
Vice President Lucia Witbooi said the occasion was both symbolic and significant as the council reflected on two decades of shaping Namibia's higher education landscape.
"Today, we pause not only to reflect on two decades of coordinated stewardship of higher education but also to reaffirm our collective commitment to nurturing change, upholding excellence, and positioning education as a central pillar of sustainable national development."
Reflecting on Ngavirue's life, former National Assembly Speaker Peter Katjavivi said the late academic inspired many young Namibians to pursue higher learning.
"And of course, he played a very important role during that time, helping to shape the whole idea of petitioning the United Nations, always working in the background, advising the traditional leaders, headed by our late chief, Hosea Kutako, and so on and so on. So the politics of the old location were very much part of his life. And as someone who was extremely enlightened, he played a critical role in assisting and shaping the decisions."
Council Chairperson Prof. Samuel John said the sector has seen significant growth.
"From a student population of approximately 40,000 in 2012 to over 86,000 in 2024, the sector has expanded significantly. This growth reflects the collective efforts of institutions, policymakers and stakeholders, with NCHE at the centre, ensuring that expansion is matched by quality and accountability."
The anniversary celebration not only marked two decades of oversight and development in the sector but also honoured the enduring legacy of a man regarded as a pioneer of higher education and governance in Namibia.