Driving academic excellence, expanding accessibility, and integrating technology, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) are some of the key priorities of the newly-appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Namibian College of Open Learning (NAMCOL).
Dr. Ngepathimo Kadhila was this week introduced as the new sheriff at the College and immediately pledged to introduce new reforms to grow the institution.
“This marks the beginning of an extraordinary journey, one that I approach with great excitement, steady dedication, and heartfelt humanity,” he said at his introduction. He committed to establishing NAMCOL as a respected institution, in Namibia and beyond.
Dr. Kadhila’s vision includes strengthening regional centres and reaching remote communities. “As an Open, Distance, and eLearning institution, we will seize the opportunities presented by technological advancements to improve access with success,” he affirmed.
Deputy Minister of Education, Arts and Culture, Faustina Caley, addressed the gathering, emphasizing NAMCOL’s role in providing educational pathways. She praised its contributions to socio-economic development, quoting Kwame Nkrumah: “We shall measure our progress by the improvement in the health of our people; by the number of children in school, and by the quality of their education.”   
Caley underscored collaboration, stating, “When you want to go fast, go alone. When you want to go far, go together,” invoking an African proverb.
Dr. Kadhila vowed to foster an inclusive, student-centred environment, enhancing success through innovative strategies. He called on stakeholders to unite in shaping education. “The success of NAMCOL depends on our collective effort, shared vision, and collaborative spirit,” he stressed.
The government remains committed to supporting NAMCOL, aligning with Vision 2030. Honourable Caley called for innovation to meet learners’ needs, emphasizing education as a catalyst for development. She cited Tony Elumelu: “The future we all want for ourselves is one of our own making.”