An alarming trend is emerging in Namibia in the realm of higher education: A significant number of students are prematurely abandoning their university studies because of mismanaged bureaucratic processes.
This mismanagement, coupled with neglect of the right to education and the suppression of labour practices, has created a detrimental environment within academic institutions.
These institutions, funded by taxpayers through governmental institutions, are witnessing the erosion of educational standards and compromise on the well-being of academic staff.
The right to education, a fundamental human right, is being disregarded.
Students, who should have the opportunity to pursue their educational aspirations are faced with administrative hurdles that hinder their progress.
The mismanagement of bureaucratic processes within some institutions has resulted in tedious procedures that impede students from accessing the education they deserve.
Furthermore, the acquisition of essential literature for research and study purposes has become an arduous task.
Many academic institutions now mandate utilising literature that is no more than five years old for students to complete their theses.
However, as a result of financial constraints and mismanagement, universities struggle to acquire such up-to-date literature, severely limiting students’ ability to conduct comprehensive research and produce quality academic work.
ACADEMIC BURDEN
Adding to the burden is that academic staff members are being overworked.
Universities eagerly await the timely allocation of funds from the government, which would enable them to hire additional academic staff.
However, as these funds are delayed and fail to reach the institutions in a timely manner, the burden falls on existing staff, who are forced to shoulder an unsustainable workload.
This excessive workload compromises the health and well-being of academic staff, impacting their ability to provide quality education for their students.
It is imperative to highlight that these institutions, reliant on taxpayer funding through governmental institutions, have to contend with additional challenges when funds are delayed or misallocated.
Notably, the Department of Disability Affairs and Marginalised Communities, and the Namibian Students Assistant Fund (NSFAF) play crucial roles in ensuring the financial support of these institutions.
However, when these ministries are neglected or subjected to bureaucratic hurdles, the disbursement of funds to deserving students is delayed.
Consequently, students face financial hardships, leading to an inability to afford rent, transportation costs and necessary study materials.
This in turn contributes to a growing number of university dropouts.
Degrading the Department of Disability Affairs and Marginalised Communities would exacerbate the problem, further impeding the timely payment of deserving students.
The addition of bureaucratic obstacles to an already struggling system would only prolong the suffering of both students and academic institutions.
DOUBLE JEOPARDY
These issues raise significant legal concerns as the right to education is protected under various international conventions and treaties to which Namibia is a signatory.
The suppression of labour practices, resulting in overworked academic staff, violates the principles outlined in labour laws that aim to safeguard the health and well-being of employees.
These violations not only undermine the rights of students and academic staff, but also jeopardise the quality of education and the future of the nation.
To address these pressing concerns, it is crucial for the Namibian government to take immediate action.
Prioritising the timely disbursement of funds to the Department of Disability Affairs and Marginalised Communities, and NSFAF is paramount to ensure that students receive the financial support they urgently require.
Additionally, efforts should be made to streamline bureaucratic processes, enabling universities to function efficiently and provide students with a conducive learning environment.
Furthermore, the protection of labour rights must be reinforced, ensuring that academic staff members are not overworked and their health protected.
THE TIME TO ACT IS NOW
In conclusion, the neglect of the right to education and the suppression of labour practices pose significant threats to higher learning institutions in Namibia.
Addressing these issues requires immediate action from the government to ensure the timely disbursement of funds, streamline administrative procedures, and safeguard the well-being of academic staff.
Only through these measures can Namibia preserve the right to education, uphold labour standards and secure a prosperous future for its students and society as a whole.
- Brian Ngutjinazo is a political commentator and scholar; he holds a BCom degree, BA (Hons), and is currently pursuing an LLB degree at the University of Namibia.
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