UDSM Celebrates 55th Graduation with Focus on Integrity, Gender Inclusion, and National Impact
By Special Correspondent, CMU
The University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) celebrated a landmark moment on 13 June 2025, as it held the First Phase of its 55th Graduation Ceremony, awarding degrees to 842 graduates amid strong calls for public service, gender equity, and innovation-led transformation.
Presided over by the Chancellor and former President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Dr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, the ceremony at the Mlimani City Conference Hall was graced by high-level dignitaries, including Minister for Finance Dr. Mwigulu Nchemba, Ambassador Mwanaidi Sinare Maajar, and African Development Bank President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina.
In his address, UDSM Vice Chancellor, Prof. William A. L. Anangisye, shared key institutional milestones over the past academic year. These included the successful convening of academic conferences, leadership training sessions for university executives, and the recently concluded 10th UDSM Research and Innovation Week.
He underscored the University’s enduring commitment to national progress through the production of critical thinkers rather than merely job seekers.
Prof. Anangisye reminded the audience of the foundational vision of Mwalimu Julius K. Nyerere, who envisioned universities as institutions for cultivating knowledge, values, and public service. “As a national university, we must not only train, but also transform minds. Let your education be a tool for collective progress, not just personal gain.”
One of the major highlights of the event was the University’s commitment to gender inclusion, with 400 out of the 842 graduates being women—representing 48 percent of all recipients. The Vice Chancellor noted that UDSM has reached gender parity in the awarding of Master’s degrees and is very close to the same at undergraduate level. He described this because of deliberate institutional policies aimed at bridging gender gaps in access to higher education.
In this graduation ceremony, the 842 graduates who were awarded degrees and diplomas across various academic levels included 1 Honorary Doctorate, 62 PhDs, 597 Master's degrees, 9 Postgraduate Diplomas, 165 Bachelor's degrees, and 8 Diplomas and Certificates.
Notably, gender parity was achieved in the Master’s degree category, where women accounted for 50 percent of the 597 graduates, and similar balance was seen in the diploma and certificate levels. This reflects the University’s ongoing efforts to promote gender equity in higher education.
Prof. Anangisye also used the occasion to encourage graduates to be active citizens, particularly as the nation approaches the 2025 General Elections. “Voting is a patriotic responsibility. Engage fully in building your country,” he urged.
He further acknowledged the invaluable support of philanthropic partners such as TEST Tanzania, Mo Dewji Foundation, NMB Bank, CAMFED Tanzania, and Foundazione Edu for their role in supporting students from underprivileged backgrounds. He also applauded members of the university staff who have personally taken on the responsibility of sponsoring students, noting that such acts of giving create a culture of compassion within the academic community.
A call to serve with honour and integrity
In a stirring message to the graduating class, Hon. Ambassador Mwanaidi Sinare Maajar, Chairperson of the UDSM Council, reminded graduates that a university degree is not just a piece of paper but a call to serve with honour and integrity.
“Today is not only the end of your academic journey, but the beginning of your duty to create positive change. The nation, our continent Africa, and the world at large need graduates who can think critically, act ethically, and adapt to rapid changes”, she said.
Ambassador Maajar commended the teaching and non-teaching staff for their hard work and resilience, saying they had helped shape students into future leaders. On behalf of the University Council, she reiterated a strong commitment to strengthening UDSM’s role as a leading institution of higher learning.
She said the Council continues to oversee and support key institutional initiatives that are enhancing the quality of education, expanding research opportunities, fostering stronger partnerships with the private sector and global institutions, and guiding key investments aligned with national priorities.
She spoke about major strides being made under the Education for Economic Transformation (HEET) Project, including the construction of buildings at the Zanzibar Institute of Marine Sciences and new UDSM campuses in Kagera and Lindi regions. She also highlighted improvements in digital infrastructure and initiatives aimed at deepening the link between academia and industry.
The Council Chair emphasized that people are the University’s greatest asset, stating that the Council is committed to ensuring that staff welfare is prioritized. This includes the timely payment of entitlements, improved working conditions, better access to tools and resources, and greater participation in decision-making processes.
“We don’t just build infrastructure—we’re building a nurturing and inclusive institution with people at its heart,” she said.
Ambassador Maajar also expressed heartfelt appreciation to President Samia Suluhu Hassan and the Sixth Phase Government for their unwavering support to higher education. She noted that UDSM had received significant funding under the HEET Project, and the outcomes are already tangible across infrastructure, research capacity, and student support systems.
She also offered a heartfelt send-off to the graduating class. “You have benefited from our collective efforts. Now go and give back. Uphold justice, creativity and integrity wherever life takes you.”