Staff Reporter

THE Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture (MEIYSAC) has dismissed claims that Grade 9 learners can progress through Namibia’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system to obtain university-level qualifications, including doctoral degrees, describing such assertions as misleading and factually incorrect.

In a media statement issued by Executive Director Mbumba Erastus Haitengela on Friday, the ministry was responding to an article published in The Namibian on 09 January 2026, which suggested that Grade 9 holders could now advance through TVET to earn PhDs. MEIYSAC said the headline misrepresented government plans and created a false impression about admission standards and progression pathways within the TVET sector.

According to the ministry, Grade 9 learners are first required to acquire foundational skills through Community Skills Development Centres such as COSDEC, KAYEC and various Youth Skills Training Centres, including Berg Aukas, Frans Dimbare, Okahao Youth Centre and Kai//Ganaxab. These centres provide introductory training in technical skills, workplace safety and hands-on exposure to different trades. Only after completing these foundational programmes may learners be considered for entry into formal TVET programmes.

MEIYSAC further clarified that Cabinet has not yet considered or approved any national pathway that would allow Grade 9 learners to progress directly through the TVET system to obtain university-level qualifications, including doctoral degrees. While discussions on possible TVET pathways are at an advanced stage, no such framework has been finalised or endorsed.

The ministry outlined the current minimum admission requirements for the TVET sector, which include NSSCO (Grade 11) or Grade 12 qualifications, with specific subject and point thresholds. Admission requirements also vary for learners with pre-vocational subjects, those from phased-out curricula, and candidates applying for technical trades, where Physical Science remains compulsory.

Grade 9 certificates are currently considered only for entry into Community Skills Development Centres, which serve as preparatory institutions before possible admission into TVET programmes.

MEIYSAC warned that inaccurate reporting could mislead the public and undermine confidence in Namibia’s post-school education system. The ministry said the public would be informed once plans are sufficiently advanced to allow Grade 9 learners into TVET under structured conditions aligned with industry needs.

The ministry called on media practitioners and editors to ensure accurate reporting on education reforms to prevent public misunderstanding and to safeguard the integrity of the country’s education system.

Picture for illustrative purposes only. Photo: GIZ Namibia

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