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[QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 67220, member: 636"]
Lawmakers have called on government officials to grant the University of Namibia its requested $850 million in extra funding if authorities eliminate tuition charges through the planned no-cost higher education program. Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah revealed on Friday that $663 million would go toward covering registration costs and tuition under the new policy. That allocation would boost state support for the university from $1.3 billion to $2.2 billion, separate from the $576 million given to the Namibia University of Science and Technology and student fees.

All People's Party President Ambrosius Kumbwa said during budget discussions on Tuesday that while the $814 million education increase was praiseworthy, officials should view the university's funding request as necessary rather than excessive. He described the decision as a measure of the ruling party's commitment to Vision 2030 goals with only five years remaining. Popular Democratic Movement President McHenry Venaani emphasized that spending on citizens represents an investment rather than a cost. He said education, health services and social programs create the foundation for an empowered population.

Independent Patriots for Change legislator Michael Mwashindange said his party would back the plan only if Namibians gain access to recognized institutions. He noted that despite President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's declaration that fees must drop, costs remain unchanged due to insufficient resources.
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