Namibia must give greater consideration to recognising individuals whose contributions to society extend beyond the duties of public office and into the everyday lives of ordinary citizens.
One such individual is former Ohangwena Regional Governor and businessman Usko Nghaamwa, whose contributions to education, community welfare and regional development merit serious consideration for an honorary doctorate from a Namibian institution of higher learning.
An honorary doctorate recognizes exceptional service, sustained commitment, and societal contributions. Nghaamwa’s case cites reported support for Namibia’s liberation struggle, service as Ohangwena governor, and ongoing philanthropy for education and vulnerable communities.
Nghaamwa’s role in Namibia’s independence struggle deserves recognition. The Oshinanena businessman reportedly gave PLAN fighters physical and financial support. If independently verified, this assistance would represent one of many sacrifices that helped secure freedom. A formal nomination should include credible testimony and documents detailing the support’s nature and extent.
Nghaamwa’s long tenure as Ohangwena governor is a significant chapter in his public life. Governors link national priorities with local development needs and aspirations. His record should be assessed through his duties, documented initiatives, community engagement and regional contributions. His philanthropy reflects continued commitment to community needs beyond government.
Public service matters when it improves lives. Honorary degree nominations should assess how Nghaamwa’s leadership advanced education, community welfare, and regional development.
Nghaamwa’s education investment may be his strongest claim to recognition. He reportedly funded school facilities, hostels, learning equipment, student welfare and institutions. In 2023, Omungwelume Secondary School was renamed UN Nghaamwa Secondary School in his honour.
His reported contributions to the school include more than 108 000 super bricks for the construction of a hostel dining hall, valued at approximately N$195 000; a further N$300 000 towards a school bus and hostel improvements; a cold storage facility valued at N$119 000; and donations of 20 laptops and 10 printers.
These contributions show how private philanthropy benefits schools, especially in under-resourced communities.
His reported contributions include over N$500 000 to Oshikunde Combined School, addressing schools’ practical needs for infrastructure and resources. He also donated more than N$377 400 to Onakaale Combined School for library facilities, fencing, and awards recognising learners and teachers; N$300 000 to Francis Galton Primary School; and N$17 500 to rebuild three storm-damaged classrooms at Ndilula Naikaku Primary School.
These gifts meet community needs: classrooms support learning, hostels help distant students, and computers and other resources prepare youth for a knowledge-driven economy.
Nghaamwa’s contributions to higher education are noteworthy. In 2021, he reportedly donated N$100 000 to develop Nust’s Eenhana campus, helping bring higher education closer to communities facing geographic and economic barriers.
His reported support for Ohangwena schools, including distributing Otweya Magazine to promote reading, reflects his commitment to education. Donations reportedly exceed N$2.4 million; beneficiary institutions and records should verify the figures, which support a formal nomination.
The case for recognising Nghaamwa extends beyond education. Reports describe his support for vulnerable households during droughts and floods, providing food, water and essentials. His clinic initiative at Omayimi Farm, Oshikoto, reportedly improved healthcare access, while food and school-enrolment assistance helped vulnerable San children. If documented, these efforts would demonstrate his commitment to people facing barriers to basic services and opportunities.
The Usko Nghaamwa Marathon has also reportedly promoted youth engagement, well-being and sports development.
Nghaamwa reportedly received the Miss World Namibia 2025 Philanthropy Award for his philanthropic work. This offers another reference point for assessing his community contributions.
Ultimately, an honorary doctorate should be based on a comprehensive service record, independently assessed evidence, and the university’s established criteria.
Namibia has several institutions to consider Nghaamwa for an honorary doctorate, subject to their rules and nomination criteria. Nust is a strong first option given its focus on applied knowledge and national development, and Nghaamwa’s reported contribution to its Eenhana campus. Unam and IUM may also assess his record. The goal is not to demand an award or bypass procedures, but to submit a credible, evidence-based nomination for independent, fair review.
The nomination should include verified donation records, school confirmations, public service evidence, credible accounts of liberation-era assistance, and community welfare records. These help assess the work’s scale, sustainability, and impact, and ensure it meets honorary doctorate standards.
Namibia should recognise those who have devoted time and resources to improving others’ lives while they are still alive. Timely tributes let people experience their communities’ appreciation and offer young Namibians examples of civic responsibility, generosity and commitment to national development.
An honorary doctorate for Nghaamwa should recognise demonstrated public value and lasting impact, not wealth or political status. The institution should assess his candidacy fairly and transparently against its academic standards.
If evidence confirms the scope and significance of his service, his contributions to education, community welfare, regional development and Namibia’s history would merit consideration. Namibia should celebrate meaningful service now, not wait to remember it later.
*Hosea Shishiveni is a scholar, researcher and thought leader. He can be reached at hoseasn8@gmail.com
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