Eugenia Moche
Young Namibians aspiring to study higher education in fields like medicine, pharmacy, and dentistry are raising alarm over what they describe as unclear and unfair policies by the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) and the Health Professions Council of Namibia (HPCNA).
In an open letter posted on social media, youth activist and acting deputy president of the National African Student Association (NASA), Abel Miguel, addressed the Prime Minister, Education Minister, Health and Social Services Minister, and NSFAF.
Students expressed frustration at being forced to abandon their chosen careers or face unexpected hurdles after admission to universities abroad.
The letter highlights that many students were admitted to institutions in Zambia, India, and South Africa, only to later be informed that their programmes required HPCNA curriculum approval.
“Policies affecting the future of young people must be clear, fair, and transparent,” the letter states, questioning when the requirement was introduced and why students were not informed earlier.
Students argue that NSFAF’s removal of medical programmes from its priority list has left them stranded. They further expressed that the lack of upfront communication has created unnecessary stress and financial strain.
“If funding is limited, please communicate honestly with students instead of creating additional barriers after admission,” the letter reads.
The HPCNA has also come under scrutiny. Miguel questioned why curricula are being reviewed outside Namibia, suggesting that the council should have the capacity to evaluate programmes locally.
“If programmes are being reviewed outside Namibia, people deserve to understand why and how these decisions are made,” the letter reads.
He warned that such barriers undermine government promises to invest in the future of young people.
“The way young people are treated today will influence how they judge leadership tomorrow. This is not a threat, but a reminder. Five years pass quickly, and soon we will stop talking and simply watch from a distance as actions speak louder than words,” Miguel stressed.
At the time of publication, neither NSFAF nor HPCNA had issued a detailed response to the concerns raised.
NSFAF has previously defended its priority list as a way to allocate limited resources to fields deemed most critical for Namibia’s development.
HPCNA argued that curriculum approval is necessary to ensure quality standards in medical training.
However, students say these explanations fall short of addressing the lack of transparency and communication.
They stressed that the issue is not only about funding or recognition, but about trust in institutions that are supposed to safeguard their futures.
The letter concluded with a call for fairness, transparency, and genuine investment in young Namibians.
