Omuthiya: The Oshikoto Region has recorded notable progress in the education sector, marked by increased learner enrolment, improved academic performance, and expanded access to schooling, Governor Sacky Kathindi said on Wednesday. Speaking during the State of the Region Address in Omuthiya, Kathindi described education as a shared responsibility that requires the involvement of parents, community leaders, the private sector, and government.
According to Namibia Press Agency, learner enrolment increased by 3,471, rising from 84,052 in 2025 to 87,523 in 2026. The number of public schools offering the Namibia Senior Secondary Certificate Advanced Subsidiary (NSSCAS) level increased from 11 to 13 in response to growing demand. "To improve access to education, five new schools - two public and three private - were established and commenced operations in 2025," he said.
Academic performance also improved, with the percentage of learners qualifying for NSSCAS increasing from 37.7 percent in 2024 to 41 percent in 2025. The proportion of quality symbols attained by learners rose from 48 percent to 70 percent during the same period. Although Oshikoto dropped from first to second position nationally at ordinary level and from fourth to fifth at advanced level, Kathindi said the region's overall performance had improved compared to previous years.
The government continued to invest in early childhood development, spending N.dollars 8.2 million on subsidies for 390 educarers at community-based early childhood development centres. Despite these achievements, Kathindi said several challenges remain. He noted that many learners in rural areas still walk long distances to school, while shortages of classrooms, learning materials, and hostel facilities persist.
To support community hostels, the Office of the Governor procured 10 heavy-duty water tanks valued at N.dollars 232,000 and is constructing a classroom at Uupindi Primary School at a cost of N.dollars 120,000. Private sector partners have also contributed to education infrastructure development. MetHealth Namibia constructed classrooms at Onamatende and Omundunda primary schools, while NamPower is constructing two hostel blocks at Joseph Simaneka Asino Secondary School.
Kathindi added that 19 schools in the region still lack ablution facilities, 19 have no water supply, and 17 remain without electricity, underscoring the need for continued investment in education infrastructure.