Office of the Minister



Hon. Dr. Itah Kandjii-Murangi, MP
Minister

 

Honourable Dr. Itah Kandjii-Murangi is a distinguished political leader in Namibia, serving as the Minister of Higher Education, Technology, and Innovation (MHETI). Appointed as the first incumbent in this position since its establishment in 2015, Dr. Kandjii-Murangi has been a central figure in shaping and advancing Namibia’s higher education sector. With over three decades of experience in academia and higher education administration, she has become a key driver of the nation’s educational policies and strategies.

Dr. Kandjii-Murangi’s tenure as Minister has been marked by a strong commitment to enhancing the regulatory frameworks governing higher education, research, funding, and technical education in Namibia. Her leadership has focused on improving institutional processes and systems, ensuring that Namibia’s higher education landscape is robust, equitable, and aligned with global standards. Under her guidance, the visibility and significance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) have been elevated, positioning TVET as a critical driver of Namibia’s socio-economic development.

A passionate advocate for technological advancement in education, Dr. Kandjii-Murangi has consistently emphasized the need for Namibia to adapt to the rapid changes brought about by the Fourth Industrial Revolution. She believes in fostering innovation and creativity among students, equipping them with the skills necessary for lifelong learning and continuous re-tooling in a dynamic global economy. Her vision is to create an education system that not only meets the current needs of the country but also anticipates and prepares for future challenges.

Dr. Kandjii-Murangi’s academic background is as impressive as her political career. She holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and an M.Ed. in Counseling Psychology from Ohio University, USA, as well as a Master of Public Policy and Administration (MPPA) from the University of Namibia (UNAM) and the International Institute of Social Studies (ISS) in The Hague. Her early academic achievements include a B. Ed in Educational Psychology from the University of Botswana, Lesotho, and Swaziland (UniverBLS) and a B. Juris from UNAM.

Her professional journey includes significant roles such as Dean of Students and International Programs at UNAM, where she managed student affairs and facilitated international academic partnerships. As the Founding Director of UNAM’s International Relations and Exchange Program, she played a pivotal role in establishing the university’s global connections. Her academic contributions also extend to her time as a Senior Lecturer at UNAM and a Lecturer at the University of Botswana.

In her political role, Dr. Kandjii-Murangi oversees the implementation of national higher education policies through key institutions like the National Council for Higher Education, Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund, Namibia Training Authority, Namibia Qualifications Authority, and others. She also works closely with international organizations such as UNESCO to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within Namibia.

Dr. Kandjii-Murangi’s leadership is characterized by her strategic vision, her commitment to innovation in education and training, and her dedication to empowering the Namibian youth through accessible and high-quality education. Her contributions continue to shape the future of Namibia’s educational landscape, making her one of the most influential figures in the country’s political and educational spheres.

 

We can assist with

In line with the three pillars on which the MHETI is premised, namely: Higher Education, Technical Vocational Education and Training, and Science, Technology and Innovation, the MHETI embarked on its mandate to ensure that quality higher education is delivered to the Namibian Nation through the advancement of quality programmes and credible projects at the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) such as UNAM, NUST and VTCs.

 

Need HELP?


Luther Street, Government Park,
Windhoek, Namibia

Tel (+264) 61 435 6333

Fax (+264) 61 253 672

Secretary.Minister@mheti.gov.na

Public.relations@mheti.gov.na

 

Ministry of Higher Education, Technology and Innovation
  • Private Bag 13406, Windhoek, Namibia
  • Government Office Park (Luther Street), Windhoek
  • Tel: (+264) 61 435 6000
  • Fax: (+264) 61 245 144
  • Email: Public.relations@mheti.gov.na
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