Fewer full-time Namibia Senior Secondary Certificate candidates have qualified for higher learning institutions compared to last year.

This year, there are only 5,812 candidates with 25 or more points.

The Minister of Education, Arts, and Culture, Anna Nghipondoka, expressed disappointment during the announcement of the National Senior Secondary Certificate Ordinary and Advanced Subsidiary level results.

About 38,019 candidates were registered for full-time Ordinary Level examinations, while 32,552 candidates sat for part-time Ordinary Level examinations.

The Minister of Education, Arts and Culture, Anna Nghipondoka, says free education does not mean parents cannot contribute to the education of their children.

Nghipondoka has therefore urged parents to assist schools in meeting their basic educational needs wherever possible.

Speaking at the handover of the Linus Shashipapo Secondary School, Nghipondoka was quick to warn school authorities that by no means should they bar learners from classes.

Parliamentarians from all political divides in the National Assembly are speaking with one voice regarding the issue of mental health in the country.

This follows a motion tabled by PDM member in the house, Winnie Moongo, on what she termed the deplorable and inhospitable mental health institutions and facilities in the country.

The motion seeks awareness of the plight and situation of these centres so as to improve their conditions.

The newly completed facilities at Andimba Toivo ya Toivo Secondary School in the Oshana Region were handed over to the Minister of Education, Arts and Culture, Anna Nghipondoka.

The inaugurated facilities include nine new hostel blocks, 40 classrooms, seven laboratories, 47 storerooms, an administration block, a kitchen and dining hall,

The buildings, constructed at a cost of N$160 million, also include staff accommodation, a multipurpose hall, two ablution blocks, a matron's quarters and childcare rooms.