Brief Remarks By Hon. Dr Itah Kandjii-Murangi, Minister Of Higher Education, Training And Innovation, At The Occasion Of The Farewell Ceremony Of The Third National Council For Higher Education (NCHE), 30 November 2016, Nipam, Windhoek.
The Director of the Programme,Dr Kalumbi Shangula,Out-going Chairman of the Third National Council for Higher Education,Out Council and Alternate Members Staff Members of the NCHE
Secretariat Ladies and Gentlemen
When the Executive Director of NCHE Secretariat reminded me of this event and requested me to come and officiate, I whole-heartedly decided to come and grace the occasion. For the past one year or so, I have come to know the Third Council as a dedicated and focused group of professional who have achieved and have literally begun to change the Namibia Higher Education Landscape.
I came to this event with a heavy heart because it saddens me to be the one to bid farewell to the Third National Council for Higher Education-winning team. For me, it has rather been too soon, especially the three-year term of office.
Though I stand here with a heavy heart, I am, however, pleased to note that in the very short time that I have come to associate with the work of the outgoing Council, the ground work that you have done has left an indelible mark on my mind.
Distinguished Ladies and Gentleman, according to the Higher Education Act No. 26 of 2003, the Minister responsible for higher education appoints persons that makes the composition of the NCHE.As Minister, I appoint. So all is not lost, this is good news!
Director of the Programme, allow me to specifically speak to the outgoing Council.Dr Shangula, Chairperson of the NCHE, though this occasion brings to the end the good work you and your team have done in three (3) years and you are supposed to be going, all is not lost. As a Minister looking for persons to bring the desired change in higher education, I am seriously considering and looking at all of you with keen interest.
We all know that the objective and mandate of the NCHE are:(a) to promote
- the establishment of a co-ordinated higher education system
- the access of students to higher education institutions;
- quality assurance in higher education; and
(b) to advise the Minister on the allocation of funds to public higher education institutions.
I am pleased today to announce to you that you have done justice to all the afore-stated. In the words of the late Honourable Dr Abraham Iyambo, you have simply delivered, delivered and delivered.Dr Shangula and your team, you have delivered. Thank you very much.
During your tenure, you over saw the development of the following: inception and development of the Funding Framework, the development of the Higher Education Management Information System (HEMIS) and the implementation of the Higher Education Quality Assurance System through the accreditation of academic programmes at the two public Higher Education Institutions.
In 2015, the Funding Framework was launched, while 2016 has seen the first test and implementation of the Funding Framework at the two public higher Education institutions.Though there are challenges, I am glad to note that this journey has started. Furthermore, is another milestone that saw the birth of HEMIS. The first ever Namibia Higher Education Statistical Yearbooks 2013 and 2014 (NHESY) were launched on 28 October 2016.Today, one we can comfortably find information and statistics on our higher education system at a one-stop-shop; the NHESY, congratulations!
Last but not least, the accreditation of academic programmes at the two public Higher Education Institutions for quality assurance which formally started in 2014/15 financial year, has slowly but steadily come of age. I was informed that in the 2016/2017 financial year forty academic programmes will be accredited.Furthermore, the Council has overseen the registration of private higher education institutions. So far, ten (10) private higher education institutions have been registered. Ladies and Gentlemen, this is a milestone!
Director of the Programme, I could go on and on. But in the best interest of time, allow me to end here.
I thank you!
