Namibia’s Higher Education Council Marks 20 Years with Building Inauguration

Namibia’s Higher Education Council Marks 20 Years with Building Inauguration. Windhoek witnessed a landmark occasion on 12 February 2026 as the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) celebrated its 20th anniversary alongside the official inauguration of its new headquarters. The event was graced by the Vice President of the Republic of Namibia, Her Excellency Hon. Lucia Witbooi, who delivered the keynote address, introduced by the Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, Hon. Dino Ballotti.

In her speech, Vice President Witbooi reflected on two decades of NCHE’s contribution to Namibia’s higher education landscape. She emphasized that the inauguration carried added significance with the naming of the building in honor of the late Dr. Zedekia Josef Ngavirue, the founding Chairperson of the Council (2006–2011). His leadership, she noted, laid the foundation for the Council’s role in shaping policy and guiding the sector.

Her Excellency reaffirmed the importance of transformation and excellence in higher education as a driver of sustainable national development. She highlighted NCHE’s mandate to provide strategic direction, advise on funding priorities, and oversee quality assurance across institutions. She also commended the collaborative efforts of statutory bodies and education agencies under the leadership of Honourable Dr. Sanet Steenkamp, noting their role in strengthening coordination and integration within the system.

Calling for continued commitment, Vice President Witbooi urged stakeholders to advance a higher education system that is globally competitive, locally relevant, and socially just, in line with Dr. Ngavirue’s legacy.

The celebration drew a distinguished audience, including former Speaker of the National Assembly Hon. Professor Peter Hitjitevi Katjavivi, former Minister of Health Dr. Kalumbi Shangula, leaders from public and private institutions, representatives of regulatory bodies, and members of Dr. Ngavirue’s family.

The dual milestone underscored NCHE’s enduring role in Namibia’s education sector and its vision for the future.