Namibia’s 2025 exam results: Oshana fails to make the grade as officials demand accountability

Education officials and regional governors are calling for increased accountability after 2025’s national exam results revealed poor performance and significant regional disparities.

The worst-performing region’s governor, Hofni Iipinge, has urged leaders to focus on addressing poor performance instead of shifting blame.

This comes after only 36% of Grade 11 pupils across the country achieved a C symbol or better in three subjects, qualifying to progress to Advanced Subsidiary (AS) level (Grade 12).

The Oshana region performed the worst.

Announcing the results yesterday, minister of education, innovation, youth, sport, arts and culture Sanet Steenkamp said education directors will now be required to report on schools’ performance in their regions to governors and traditional authorities annually.

This forms part of the ‘National Improvement Strategy’, she said, which emphasises accountability, decentralisation and community engagement.

“This reporting is about accountability, collaboration, and ownership. It ensures every region understands its strengths, weaknesses, and the areas that need urgent attention,” Steenkamp said.

The minister said directors will report on subject performance, highlight weak and strong schools, identify problem areas, and showcase teachers demonstrating excellence.

The annual engagement is designed to encourage regions to learn from one another, share best practices, and foster sustainable improvement, she said.

“Our goal is gradual, sustainable progress,” Steenkamp said.

Iipinge yesterday said the issue requires collective responsibility from parents, teachers and traditional authorities.

While teachers are making efforts in difficult conditions, discipline among pupils is of growing concern, he said.

“We need to look at the root cause . . . For now, we cannot blame anyone,” he said.

‘BRING BACK THE ROD’

Iipinge attributed pupils’ low performance to the removal of corporal punishment in schools.

“Discipline is a problem. Teachers are sometimes scared to discipline pupils because of the laws. This has affected behaviour in schools,” he said.

He also pointed to overcrowded classrooms, saying some teachers handle classes of up to 150 learners. According to him such conditions make it difficult for educators to give individual attention to struggling learners.

“When you are teaching 50 learners in one classroom, it becomes very difficult to support those who need special attention,” he said.

The governor pointed to a lack of parental involvement as a contributing factor to underperformance.

“It is important that leaders come together with traditional authorities, the government and regional councillors for the sake of the Namibian child,” he said.

Iipinge expressed concern over pupils’ attitudes, saying many spend time roaming the streets instead of studying, while parents often fail to fully participate in their children’s education.

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