NASA Calls for Establishment of NSFAF Branches Across All Regions
By TUW
The National African Students’ Association (NASA) has urged the Ministry of Higher Education, Technology and Innovation to establish fully operational National Students’ Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) branches in all 14 regions of Namibia.
In a statement issued by NASA’s National Secretary for Academics, Sports, Arts and Culture, Mr. Abel Miguel, the association expressed concern over the fund’s current centralised service model. NASA noted that, at present, NSFAF operates primarily through its main branch in Windhoek, a situation the student body says continues to create significant challenges for students living outside the capital.
According to NASA, students in remote and rural areas face obstacles such as long travel distances, high transport costs, limited access to in-person application support, and delays in resolving funding-related queries. These difficulties, the association warned, often lead to late registrations, academic interruptions, and, in some cases, students being unable to continue with their studies.
Miguel acknowledged that NSFAF has made progress by providing online applications and guidelines. However, he argued that digital platforms alone are not sufficient to address the realities faced by many students, particularly those with limited internet access or those requiring direct assistance.
NASA believes that establishing regional NSFAF offices would significantly improve accessibility and inclusivity, enhance efficiency in processing applications and handling queries, reduce administrative pressure on the national office, and strengthen transparency and accountability. The association added that expanding NSFAF’s regional presence could also create employment opportunities for qualified Namibians.
“Education is a right, not a privilege determined by geographical location,” the statement emphasised.
NASA has called on the Ministry of Higher Education, Technology and Innovation, NSFAF management, and other relevant stakeholders to prioritise the rollout of regional branches, saying decentralised services would improve the effectiveness and reach of Namibia’s student financial assistance system.
