Prof. Anangisye to DUCE Freshers: Uphold Academic Integrity, Discipline and National Responsibility
By Beatrice Ngongho, CMU-DUCE
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), Prof. William A. L. Anangisye, has urged first-year students at the Dar es Salaam University College of Education (DUCE) to take academic responsibility seriously and to conduct themselves with integrity, discipline and patriotism throughout their university journey.
Addressing the official welcoming ceremony for the 2025/26 cohort, Prof. Anangisye said students selected to join UDSM carry both privilege and obligation, noting that admission this year was highly competitive. Out of more than 65,000 applicants across the University’s three campuses, only 13,491 were enrolled – a selection rate of just 21 percent.
“You made the right choice. UDSM is not only Tanzania’s premier university but a continental talent factory producing leaders of national and global impact,” he told the students, underscoring the institution’s historical influence and strategic national role.
The ceremony brought together senior DUCE management including Principal Prof. Stephen Oswald Maluka, Deputy Principals Prof. Amani Lusekelo Mwamakombe and Prof. Pendo Salu Malangwa, directors of academic units, student service officials and student leadership.
Prof. Maluka welcomed the freshers and assured them of a supportive academic environment. He emphasised that DUCE remains committed to nurturing competence, character and creativity in line with UDSM’s mission.
This message set the stage for the Vice Chancellor’s central theme: a call for academic seriousness anchored in the meaning and purpose of university education. Drawing on UDSM founder Mwalimu Julius K. Nyerere, Prof. Anangisye reminded students that university learning is a national investment and must ultimately serve society.
“If the knowledge entrusted to you does not serve society, you betray the collective effort that enabled your education,” he said.
Prof. Anangisye outlined key expectations that will shape student life at DUCE: academic honesty, personal discipline and stewardship of public resources. He warned that plagiarism, cheating and misuse of intellectual work remain among the most serious offences in academia and attract heavy penalties, including expulsion.
He also called on students to respect the University’s property and infrastructure, noting that these are funded by taxpayers whose contributions must be honoured.
On personal conduct, the Vice Chancellor urged students to present themselves professionally, both in etiquette and appearance, maintaining a standard befitting UDSM’s values. He cautioned against harmful behaviours, inappropriate dress and disrespectful communication, emphasising dignity and institutional identity.
Practical guidance for academic success
In addition to academic expectations, Prof. Anangisye offered practical guidance for academic success, encouraging students to manage time wisely, build professional networks, maintain health, practise financial discipline, and develop intellectual curiosity. He stressed that learning is a personal journey and advised students to focus on progress rather than comparison.
Prof. Anangisye reaffirmed the University’s dedication to academic excellence and uninterrupted learning. “We will not tolerate disruptions to normal university functions”, he said, urging students to safeguard institutional order and collective progress.
DARUSO President Mr. Kenedy Bomani welcomed the new cohort on behalf of the student government, pledging a supportive and inclusive environment and urging students to participate fully in academic and campus life.
The event formally opened a new academic journey for the DUCE freshers – one framed by expectations of discipline, scholarly integrity and service to the nation.