Life after Subsidised Education
...Lasarus’s story from Mariental to Windhoek
When Lasarus Nghifikwa stepped onto the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) to register for his first year of study, he did so with confidence and hope. He was inspired knowing that registration and tuition fees would no longer be a barrier to his aspirations.
He hails from Mariental, a small town in south-central Namibia situated along the B1 main road and the Fish River. Known as an agricultural hub for livestock ranching and irrigated farming, Mariental has shaped Lasarus’ character, grounding him in resilience, community, and perseverance. But he always had his eyes on the big city.
Now officially enrolled as a full-time first-year Bachelor of Computer Science student at the Windhoek Campus, Lasarus is among the many beneficiaries of Namibia’s subsidised tertiary education.
For him, subsidised tertiary education represents more than just access to a university seat. It symbolises relief, hope, and collective progress. “Free tertiary education means that a financial burden will be lifted from my parents’ shoulders,” he explains. “It makes things a lot easier for us, especially for those who are not in a position to financially support their children.”
Recently, the Right Honourable Prime Minister, Dr Elijah Ngurare, visited the campus to attend the Orientation and engage directly with first-year students to gain first-hand insight into the reality of free tertiary education.
Speaking from the heart and without a prepared script, the Prime Minister delivered a heartfelt message reaffirming Government’s commitment to empowering Namibian youth. “Your first step starts here, uncertain as it may seem. This is where you build your foundation,” he told the students, encouraging them to remain disciplined and purpose driven.
For students like Lasarus Nghifikwa, that foundation has been firmly laid.
