Classrooms overcrowded despite N.dollars 28 billion education budget: Nghifikwa

OPUWO, 20 MAR (NAMPA) - Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) Member of Parliament Bertha Nghifikwa has raised concerns over the persistent challenges in Namibia’s education sector, questioning whether the 2026/2027 budget will translate into tangible benefits for learners.
In her contributions to the budget debate in the National Assembly on Thursday, Nghifikwa said while the government has allocated approximately N.dollars 28 billion to education, with 10 per cent earmarked for subsidised tertiary education, only N.dollars 939 million or about 3.3 per cent is set aside for development projects to reduce school congestion and improve infrastructure.
She highlighted overcrowding at some schools in the Ohangwena Region, where classes have over 50 learners, while others exceed 70 learners.
Nghifikwa further warned that the vocational training and science, technology, and innovation sectors, which are critical for employment and skills development, receive less than three per cent of the total education budget.
With only eight public vocational training centres nationwide, the combined capacity of less than 4 000 trainees is insufficient to absorb thousands of school-leavers each year.
The MP also criticised delays in infrastructure delivery caused by poor procurement and contract management, where contractors abandon projects without accountability.
“Every abandoned project represents a lost opportunity - no hostels, no labs, no conducive learning environment for learners,” she said.
Nghifikwa concluded by urging Parliament to prioritise impactful allocations that ensure learners have classrooms, furniture, and resources, and that graduates can access employment and contribute to the economy.
She called on lawmakers to imagine classrooms in 2030, where well-supported educators guide motivated learners toward achieving their dreams.
(NAMPA)
KV/EK/AS