Financial Literacy is a Critical Life Skill, Not an Option — Prof. Killian Tells Students
By Agness Mero, DARUSO Mlimani
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Planning, Finance and Administration at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), Bernadetta Killian, has underscored that financial literacy must be treated as an essential life competence for university students.
Speaking during the Financial Literacy Day organised by the Dar es Salaam University Students’ Organization (DARUSO) on 13 February 2026, Prof. Killian stressed that universities must intentionally integrate practical financial knowledge into the student experience to produce graduates who are not only employable but also financially responsible.
She added that academic excellence alone is no longer sufficient preparation for the realities of modern socio-economic life and that students must be equipped to contribute meaningfully to national development.
“Financial literacy is no longer optional for university students; it is a critical life skill. Initiatives like this complement academic training by equipping students with the competencies required to make informed financial decisions, sustain themselves, and participate productively in the economy”, she said.
She noted that UDSM’s broader mission is to nurture graduates who can drive socio-economic transformation through entrepreneurship, innovation, and responsible citizenship – an approach aligned with Tanzania’s development priorities.
The student-led initiative brought together participants from UDSM and neighbouring institutions, including the National Institute of Transport and the Tanzania Institute of Accountancy, highlighting growing inter-institutional collaboration in preparing young people for financial independence and leadership.
Representing government, Suleiman Mvinyi, the Director of Youth in the Ministry of Youth Development, emphasised the importance of leveraging national empowerment frameworks and youth-focused financing opportunities to translate knowledge into enterprise and innovation.
The event also featured practical sessions from industry stakeholders aimed at bridging theory and application. Vodacom Tanzania introduced its M-WeKeza platform to demonstrate accessible investment pathways, while the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange provided insights into capital markets and student-focused investment simulations.
Further technical guidance was delivered by the Capital Markets and Securities Authority and CRDB Bank, focusing on savings culture, regulatory awareness, and structured financial planning.
Throughout the discussions, speakers echoed Prof. Killian’s central argument that universities must go beyond imparting knowledge to cultivating life-ready graduates capable of managing resources wisely, creating opportunities, and sustaining their livelihoods in an increasingly complex economic environment.
By championing financial literacy as a foundational graduate attribute, UDSM continues to demonstrate how higher education can directly respond to national needs, producing professionals who are not only academically competent, but also financially empowered and socially responsible.