Niël Terblanché
The Namibia College of Open Learning (NAMCOL) held its annual graduation ceremony in Windhoek on Thursday, honouring the academic accomplishments of its students and strengthening its role in Namibia’s educational landscape.
The event was attended by Sanet Steenkamp, Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture, who commended the graduates for their perseverance and dedication.
She acknowledged NAMCOL’s contribution to skills development and lifelong learning.
“We continue to strengthen partnerships with institutions like NAMCOL, whose work is central to national progress. Let it be known that NAMCOL is not a secondary or alternative option; it is a core pillar of our national education architecture,” she said.
NAMCOL’s chief executive officer, Ngepathimo Kadhila, congratulated the graduates and recognised their resilience in overcoming challenges to achieve success.
Established by an Act of Parliament in 1997, NAMCOL is a semi-autonomous institution under the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture.
It offers educational opportunities to adults and out-of-school youth, aiming to improve their general education and vocational skills.
Over the years, NAMCOL has expanded its offerings to include secondary, tertiary, and technical vocational programmes, and has become the largest educational institution in Namibia in terms of student enrolment.
NAMCOL has embraced technology to enhance its educational delivery, incorporating e-learning, video lessons, and digital platforms. It has received international recognition, including awards from the Commonwealth of Learning for excellence in distance education materials and web-based lessons.
The graduation ceremony celebrated the achievements of its students and demonstrated the institution’s commitment to providing accessible, quality education across Namibia.
