MHETI, NSFAF agree on tuition fee funding

WINDHOEK, 05 SEP  – The Ministry of Higher Education, Training and Innovation (MHETI) has resolved that the National Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) will cover 100 per cent of tuition fees for all students as per their demands.
This was resolved during a meeting between the Namibian National Students Organisation (Nanso) and students’ representative councils held here on Tuesday with Prime Minister, Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila.
The purpose of the meeting was to seek intervention from the Office of the Prime Minister on the issue between MHETI and NSFAF, according to a media release issued by Nanso Secretary General, Simon Taapopi on Wednesday.
The meeting further resolved that the contracts of students who signed the 2018 loan contracts with maximum funding limitation of two years, will be ratified by NSFAF.
“The process of ratification is expected to commence soon,” Taapopi noted.
Additionally, the MHETI and the Ministry of Finance were tasked to consult each other and report back to the student leadership on the 80 per cent payment of boarding and non-tuition, in two weeks.
“These consultations will be centred on mobilising an additional N.dollars 157 million towards the existing NSFAF budget to honour the contracts of students by covering 80 per cent towards boarding students and non-tuition,” the statement added.
Nanso and the student leaders of all higher education institutions have assured students that they will continue to advocate for the abolishment of predetermined rates for students studying at private colleges, institutions and implementation of equitable funding policies that are inclusive to all students.
Students across the country petitioned MHETI on 08 August, demanding that the minister assure them that the contracts between themselves and NSFAF, signed in 2015, stipulating the payment of 100 per cent of tuition fees and 80 per cent of non-tuition fees, would be honoured.
According to the students’ petition, the new contract breached these terms, meaning that students were expected to add a certain amount to the fixed non-tuition N.dollars 17 000 grant given to all funded students, which was not enough. – NAMPA