National Council For Higher Education (Nche) Celebrates 20th Anniversary

On 12 February 2026, the Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, (MEIYSAC) Hon. Dino Ballotti, accompanied the Vice President of the Republic of Namibia, H.E. Lucia Witbooi, to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) and the official inauguration of the NCHE Building in Windhoek.

The Deputy Minister had the distinct honour of introducing the Vice President as the Keynote Speaker at this landmark occasion. In her address, H.E. Hon. Lucia Witbooi highlighted that the celebration marked two decades of dedicated service by the NCHE and the naming of the building in honour of the late Dr. Zedekia Josef Ngavirue, Founding Chairperson of the Council (2006–2011), in recognition of his visionary leadership and lasting contribution to higher education in Namibia.

Her Excellency reaffi rmed the importance of strengthening higher education through transformation, excellence, and sustainable national development. She further emphasized the NCHE’s critical mandate to provide strategic direction, advise on funding priorities, and oversee quality assurance across higher education institutions.

The Vice President also commended the education agencies under the leadership of Honourable Dr. Sanet Steenkamp for advancing coordination and system integration across the sector. The event was graced by Professor Peter Hitjitevi Katjavivi, former Speaker of the National Assembly; Dr. Kalumbi Shangula, former Minister of Health; leaders from public and private higher education institutions; representatives of public enterprises, regulatory and professional bodies; current and former NCHE Council Members; and the family of the late Dr. Ngavirue.

As we celebrate 20 years of impact, we recommit to building a higher education system that is globally competitive, locally relevant, and socially just in honour of Dr. Ngavirue’s enduring legacy.

Story contributed: @officialmeiysac