By Hilja Shikongo 

Long-serving nurses across Namibia are raising concerns over a recent introduction of a pre-registration evaluation test by the Nursing Council of Namibia, for those who wish to become registered nurses. The new evaluation requirements have caused frustration among nurses who now face administrative hurdles, high fees, and unclear evaluation standards.

On 27 May 2025, a meeting between the Nursing Council and affected nurses revealed growing tensions over the council’s recent implementation of evaluation tests for nurses seeking to register as professionals. The meeting included council members, nurses, and representatives from the Namibian Students Association (NASA).  According to official meeting records, the council defended the evaluation process as a necessity to maintain standards and ensure that all nurses are competent to provide healthcare services in the country.

The council explained that irregularities had been detected at some nursing training institutions. These include key modules delivered online, the use of unqualified lecturers such as enrolled nurses teaching major subjects and institutions running unapproved curricula. 

Quoted in the minutes, Dr. C.V. Weyulu, the registrar of the council, said that under Namibian law, the board has the authority granted by parliament to implement and enforce such regulations. 
It is recorded that Weyulu explained that the council is empowered to act in the interest of protecting public safety through competent nursing practice,” Weyulu said.

He added that the evaluation test fees are used to cover operational expenses, including examiner remuneration, venue hire, and costs related to investigating cases of academic malpractice. Meanwhile, speaking on behalf of the graduates, Esmarialda Garoes is of the opinion that the process has created unnecessary hardship, especially for those who have already demonstrated competence through years of practical service. 

Garoes also noted that this is affecting their professional advancements and impacting healthcare services relying on their transition.  The group had formally requested an exemption from the pre-registration evaluation requirement, arguing that their curriculum and clinical training met the same standards expected by the council.

The council’s response to that request was contained in an official letter addressed to the group dated 11 March 2025, which reads: “Kindly be informed that the Nursing Council of Namibia, at a meeting held on 11 March 2025, reiterated its decision that every nursing and midwifery graduate must pass an evaluation of the council before registration as a practitioner. Given the above, your request for exemption from such an evaluation was not granted.”

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Among the other challenges raised by the nurses are the cost of the evaluation test, limited access to testing locations, and policy inconsistencies. 

Currently, all evaluation tests are conducted in Windhoek, forcing students from remote areas to incur additional transport, accommodation, and food expenses.  The passing mark of the evaluation test, set at 65 percent, has also drawn criticism for being significantly higher than the 50 percent pass mark used by many accredited institutions. 

The matter has now gained the attention of lawmakers. Recently parliamentarian, Winnie Moongo (PDM) submitted a formal notice to the Minister of Health and Social Services, Esperance Luvindao, raising concerns over a plethora of irregularities in the health sector.  Moongo’s submission highlighted multiple challenges, including “administrative delays, high evaluation fees, lack of regional access to test centres, communication failures, and policy inconsistencies.” The debate was postponed to 20 June 2025 for deliberations.

Weyulu did not respond to questions sent to him about a week ago.