WHY NAMIBIA'S EDUCATION IS GETTING WEAKER – AND WHY LEADERSHIP STANDARDS MUST RISE

This article examines critical challenges in Namibia’s education system, spanning early childhood education to universities. Dr. Shihala highlights how multiple school branches and university satellites offer the same subjects, theories, and knowledge, while the system struggles with widespread issues. Lowered minimum entry standards mean many teachers, lecturers, and educational leaders lack advanced academic qualifications. Old-fashioned diploma-level pathways remain the minimum requirement for leadership and teaching, limiting innovation, mentoring, and instructional quality. The article emphasizes that strong, well-qualified leaders are essential to set the culture for effective teaching and learning, ensuring meaningful educational outcomes across the country.