The President emphasized that the only costs families would incur initially would be related to accommodation and other expenses, citing ongoing commitments to existing subsidies for some public universities. "We have heard your cries: 'the Fees have Fallen,'" she remarked, referring to previous student protests in Namibia and South Africa advocating for affordable education. Current primary and secondary education is already free in Namibia's public schools.

Despite some student groups welcoming the announcement, others have voiced skepticism. The Affirmative Repositioning Student Command (ARSC) criticized the proposal as lacking a clear plan and indicative of the government's desire for attention rather than a practical solution. Critics question which students will benefit - undergraduates or post-graduates - and stress the concern of funding given previous issues surrounding the eligibility criteria for financial assistance. Local economist Tannen Groenewald expressed that the absence of increased funding could lead to limiting student enrollment, paralleling challenges experienced in South Africa's previous fee removal attempts.

This ambitious plan marks a pivotal moment in Namibia's education system, reflecting both aspiration and complexity amid broader regional educational trends.