Much has been said about Namibia’s commitment to investing in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). Yet, the education budget allocation over the years, including for 2026, tells a sobering story. Of the N$4.2 billion earmarked for education this academic year, universities receive approximately 84%, while TVET, comprising both public and private institutions, receives a mere 15%. This imbalance is not only short-sighted, but it also shows that the government, through the education ministry, continually fails in its duty to establish the cost implications of technical courses under TVET. Perhaps they are relying on perceptions, assuming that lower levels at vocational institutions cost less to deliver than higher levels at universities.

Both universities and TVET institutions are indispensable in producing skilled graduates. However, budget allocations should reflect the actual cost of delivering training, not speculative academic prestige. Namibia’s industrial growth, employment creation and entrepreneurial development depend on a substantial pool of well-trained artisans. Unlike universities, where lecture halls and libraries may suffice, TVET institutions, in addition, require workshops, specialised tools, equipment, personal protective equipment, consumable materials, and equally, highly qualified trainers with both theoretical and practical expertise. These are not luxuries, but they are essential components of effective vocational training. However, the current budget allocation sends a discouraging message: TVET is cheap. 

These are ill-informed perceptions that need urgent ratification. Among education systems, TVET is the most expensive to deliver.

I urge the education ministry to urgently consult the relevant stakeholders for a cost analysis. 

Training modalities and their value cannot be determined solely by National Qualifications Framework (NQF) levels. 

Assuming that higher academic NQF levels at universities should automatically cost more than lower-level TVET programmes is misleading. Artisan training is shaped by delivery modality, infrastructure requirements, contact hours, equipment, competence assessments and industry alignment, not simply NQF classification. 

Treating university programmes as inherently more costly oversimplifies the true expense of quality vocational training.

This budgetary disparity discourages Namibian youth from embracing TVET, perpetuating the perception that vocational training is secondary. 

Yet, artisans are the backbone of the economy. 

They create employment opportunities not only for themselves but also for university graduates. 

The foundations of our industries and nation-builders are in the truest sense.

The minimum cost of training a single TVET student currently exceeds N$38 000 per year. Against this reality, the N$16 000 tuition subsidies provided through NSFAF are shockingly inadequate, undermining training quality and placing the entire TVET system at risk. 

An immediate review of the budget allocation is not optional but imperative.

Namibia’s future prosperity depends on equitable investment in both academic and vocational education. 

Neglecting TVET is to discourage and deny thousands of Namibian youth opportunities to enrol at vocational Institutions. 

A balanced, evidence-based approach to funding is urgently required if we are to attain success in TVET to empower our youth, strengthen our economy and build a truly inclusive and inspiring education system.

*Paulus Ishitile is the founder and managing director for Brave and Achievers College of Artisans.