Zebalt Ngaruka
A veteran Namibian educator who entered the classroom “by accident” is proving that strategic leadership can completely revitalise under resourced rural schools.
Paul Niki Nunuheb, the principal of Otjivero Combined School in the Okorukambe Constituency, has transformed his school into a top performing regional hub since taking the helm. With support from the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture (MEIYSAC), Nunuheb expanded the school’s curriculum to Grade 9 while aggressively tackling the region’s acute shortage of qualified Khoekhoegowab-language teachers.
By treating public education as a mission of national sovereignty rather than just a job, Nunuheb’s grassroots strategies have earned consecutive regional awards, offering a highly replicable blueprint for public-sector productivity across Namibia.
“I was appointed by accident but stayed by conviction,” he said, reflecting on how he entered the teaching profession.
Born and raised in Gobabis, Nunuheb began his education at Gobabis Gemeenskap School, then attended Epako Junior Secondary School. He went on to study Standard 8 at Drimiopsis Senior Secondary School and completed Standard 10 at Cornelius Goreseb High School in Khorixas.
Keen to expand his professional knowledge, he continued his studies at Azalia College and the Open Learning Group Namibia, then earned a Basic Education Teachers Diploma from the Windhoek College of Education in 2010. Trained as a junior primary teacher, Nunuheb was appointed to Nossob Primary School in Witvlei soon after completing secondary school. At the time, Khoekhoegowab-speaking teachers were scarce, and the appointment gave him an opportunity to contribute to education.
Although teaching was not necessarily a planned career choice, his first day at Nossob Primary School changed his perspective.
“When I was appointed, on my very first day, I saw hope in the eyes of Nossob Primary School learners. That is where I believed I would stay and help the Namibian child,” he said.
That conviction has continued to guide his professional journey, from classroom teaching to school leadership roles.
Expanding educational opportunities
After being appointed principal of Otjivero Primary School on 1 October 2020, Nunuheb made expanding the school’s educational offering a priority. On 1 January 2021, the school adopted a combined-school model, broadening its curriculum from primary education to include pre-primary through Grade 9. The expansion marked an important step towards broadening educational opportunities for learners in the area.
Under his leadership, Otjivero Combined School has earned recognition in academics, sports, spelling competitions, sounding and choir activities. Nunuheb cites regional education awards, stronger teacher commitment and growing community support as signs of the school’s progress.
“The hard work is finally starting to pay off. Every year, our school receives awards at the regional educational awards ceremony. Teachers are working harder, and the community is supporting the school. The school is now moving in the right direction,” he said.
As principal, he oversees school leadership, curriculum, staff development, and school and hostel finances. He ensures government policies deliver practical benefits for learners and the community, contributing through quality education to Namibia’s future workforce.
Developing teachers and future leaders
Nunuheb measures success not only by his school’s achievements but by former learners’ and colleagues’ progress.
To him, true achievement means improving learners’ lives, developing educators and strengthening education. Many former learners have earned qualifications and taken on responsible roles. Some became qualified teachers, including learners who once did not speak Khoekhoegowab but later qualified to teach it.
He has also helped create opportunities for Khoekhoegowab teachers to enrol in in-service training programmes and obtain professional qualifications. These efforts, he says, have contributed to addressing the shortage of qualified Khoekhoegowab teachers in the Omaheke Region.
Nunuheb supports fellow educators’ professional growth, helping former colleagues prepare for interviews; some have become department heads and principals. The Ministry of Education has also enlisted his expertise to chair interview panels and mentor newly appointed principals.
He sees an opportunity to support future school leaders and show that rural schools thrive with committed leadership, capable teachers, and community involvement.
Leadership amid challenges
Despite Otjivero’s progress, Nunuheb said school leadership remains challenging. He finds it difficult to unite people with different personalities and backgrounds around shared goals; stakeholders may resist ideas, requiring patience and continued engagement.
He keeps learners’ interests central during disagreements and credits his qualifications, experience and people skills with translating education policies into benefits for learners and the community.
His approach shows that effective leadership goes beyond administration: it requires bringing people together, building commitment and sustaining a shared educational vision.
Impactful public service
Nunuheb rejects the perception that working in the public sector is unproductive, arguing that government institutions can deliver meaningful results with effective leadership.
He acknowledges that public institutions often operate with limited resources and must follow bureaucratic procedures. However, he believes these challenges should not overshadow their contribution to national development.
In education, he argues, productivity should be measured by the opportunities created, the skills developed and the lives transformed, rather than by income alone.
“We are producing the future human capital of Namibia under difficult conditions, and we are still delivering. It is measured by impact, not income,” he said.
For Nunuheb, working for the government offers an opportunity to serve the nation, implement national education policies, and support communities equally, regardless of background. He views public service as a responsibility to contribute to the country’s development and to ensure that future generations are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to participate meaningfully in society.
“It’s not just employment; it is service to the country,” he said.
Looking beyond retirement
Reflecting on his years in public service, Nunuheb believes he has done everything possible at his current level to contribute to the education of Namibian children.
However, he hopes to continue serving the nation after retirement, with aspirations to become a minister or adviser.
He believes his experience in education, school leadership and public service could remain valuable in broader decision-making and policy development.
-zngaruka@gmail.com
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