Hundreds of graduates of the Namibian College of Open Learning celebrated their academic excellence when they received certificates, diplomas and degrees during its 25th graduation ceremony in Windhoek.
Speaking on behalf of the Prime Minister, the Education Minister Sanet Steenkamp said the graduation ceremony is not only an academic event but also a statement about where the nation is.
"He says I'm not here as a distant administrator of policy but as a fellow citizen who knows from lived experience what it means when education opens a door that circumstances had closed."
Dr. Steenkamp further highlighted that Namcol is not a footnote in the story of Namibia's social and economic transformation, but it is one of the most consequential chapters.
"Namcol holds a distinctive position that must be clearly stated. It is the first and only institution in Namibia established by an act of parliament specifically to offer open and distance learning to all Namibians regardless of where they're from, their locations, their ages or their life stage."
Namcol's Chief Executive Officer, Ngepathimo Kadhila, says the graduates are not just individuals receiving certificates but contributors to the realisation of the country's national development plans.
"It connects TVET graduates and higher education graduates equally because Namibia needs both artisans and managers, technicians and public administrators in order to achieve or realise NDP6 and our long-term goal for Vision 2030. And as you go out there, be proud of what you have achieved; don't let anyone pull you down; be our ambassador, and as you shine out there, it's Namcol who shines."
TVET professional and entrepreneur Eude Kambuta said, "It's not about the certificate and the degree that you hold; sometimes it's about your character, your integrity, your morals, and your values, especially when you are challenged."
The graduation is under the theme "Learning without limits: Empowered today, leading Namibia tomorrow".
The ceremony highlighted the growing role of open and distance learning in expanding access to education and equipping Namibians with skills for the future.