Namcol targets 2028 launch as open university

The Namibia College of Open Learning (Namcol) is working towards transforming into an open university, targeting a formal launch in 2028 or 2029 and promising to expand opportunities for students. Deputy executive director for higher education, training, research and innovation Lisho Mundia says the ministry still needs to seek Cabinet approval before the transformation can proceed. “The matter relating to transforming Namcol into a university, it’s premature information to share,” Mundia says. He says the procedure has not yet started, although the ministry is working towards obtaining the necessary approval. Mundia says additional information will be shared with relevant authorities once approval is obtained.

Namcol, formed in 1997, is a state-owned institution that provides open and distance learning opportunities to pupils who are unable to attend conventional schools or institutions. Namcol chief executive Kadhila Ngepathimo says the transformation agenda had been underway for some time following the endorsement of the minister of education, innovation, youth, sport, arts and culture and the establishment of a transformation committee. “A definitive transition date will be confirmed once this planning and legislative work has been completed and considered by the relevant authorities,” he says. Ngepathimo says with support from the Commonwealth of Learning, a technical expert had started assessing Namcol’s current position, benchmarking it against comparable open universities in the region and beyond, and developing a proposed institutional structure. He says the transformation would not compromise Namcol’s existing triple mandate of secondary education, technical and vocational education and training and higher education. He says all three areas would be…