Excellence That Competes Beyond Borders: How UDSM Dominated Tanzania’s Most Competitive Mining Scholarship
By Zamda George, CMU
From Dar es Salaam to Johannesburg, academic rigor and global standards set UDSM apart
In an exceptional outcome that underscores UDSM’s academic standing, all five available slots of the highly competitive Barrick Tanzania International Scholarship were awarded to students from UDSM’s School of Mines and Geosciences (SoMG), surpassing candidates from universities nationwide.
The result is a rare and emphatic endorsement of the University’s quality, relevance, and global competitiveness. For five outstanding students from the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), the journey to South Africa is not simply a change of geography, it is the culmination of years of academic discipline, institutional excellence, and a competitive process that tested the very best university talent in the country.
The scholarship recipients, Ms. Riziki Awadhi Mvungi, Mr. Antony Godfrey Mariki, and Mr. Frank Steven Mayunga (Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering); Ms. Dolores Joseph Panda (Bachelor of Science in Geology); and Mr. Samson Rashid Abeid (Bachelor of Science in Metrology and Mineral Processing Engineering), will pursue advanced studies at the University of Johannesburg from 1st February 2026, fully sponsored by Barrick Tanzania.
Unlike conventional sponsorships, the Barrick Tanzania International Scholarship is earned through merit, not nomination.
Candidates were first required to independently secure admission at the University of Johannesburg, an early academic filter that immediately set a high bar. Only students with strong first-year University Examination (UE) results were eligible to proceed, significantly narrowing the pool.
The process then advanced through multiple, rigorous interview stages, assessing academic strength alongside discipline, leadership potential, motivation, and alignment with Tanzania’s strategic skills needs in the mining sector.
“The process was deliberately rigorous,” said Barrick Tanzania Country Manager, Dr. Melkiory Ngido, emphasizing that the company seeks individuals capable of thriving in demanding global environments and contributing meaningfully to national development.
By the final stage, competition had intensified at national level. When the results were released, UDSM had claimed every available position – a sweep that spoke volumes.
Validation of UDSM’s Academic Standards
Reacting to the outcome, UDSM Vice Chancellor, Prof. William A. L. Anangisye, described the achievement as a powerful validation of the University’s academic rigor and the strength of its mining and geosciences programmes.
“As a University, we could not be prouder. This outcome confirms that when students are trained under strong academic systems, exposed to high standards, and challenged to compete, they can stand out anywhere in the world”, he said.
Beyond official remarks, the Vice Chancellor held a reflective, fatherly conversation with the students, reminding them that excellence carries responsibility.
“This is a big win. But it is also a bigger responsibility. You are going out not just as students, but as ambassadors of Barrick, of the University of Dar es Salaam, and of Tanzania”, he told them.
He urged them to remain focused and disciplined, noting that international exposure brings both opportunity and distraction. “Stay focused; because this is only the beginning of bigger wins”.
Prof. Anangisye placed the scholarship within UDSM’s broader internationalisation and industry engagement agenda, aligned with national priorities to build a globally competitive workforce.
“Through partnerships like this. UDSM is actively supporting the Government’s vision of sending highly qualified Tanzanians abroad to acquire advanced skills and return home equipped to drive national development”, he noted.
Beyond Tuition: Linking Education to Industry
Barrick Tanzania’s support goes well beyond tuition, accommodation, and living expenses. Mr. Lumbu Kambula, Barrick’s Human Resources Manager for Africa and the Middle East, revealed that upon successful completion of their studies, the beneficiaries will be eligible for a two-year professional engagement within Barrick.
“This is a full scholarship. Your role is to study; and to study hard. Maintain strong performance, and the support continues”, he emphasized.
The model reflects a deliberate strategy to link education to industry readiness, ensuring graduates return not only with degrees but with practical exposure and clear pathways into professional practice.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Samson Rashid Abeid described the scholarship as a transformative opportunity rooted in trust and preparation.
“Southern Africa is advanced in mining research, extraction, and mineral processing technologies. This opportunity will equip us with skills that are critical for Tanzania’s mining sector”, he said.
He credited UDSM for laying the foundation of their success, acknowledging lecturers for academic mentorship and ethical grounding, as well as parents and guardians for their unwavering support.
Most importantly, he made a commitment: “We promise to return with knowledge, experience, and a positive contribution to our communities and our nation”.
As the five students prepare for Johannesburg, their achievement stands as a compelling example of what happens when institutional excellence, competitive selection, industry partnership, and national vision converge.
More than a scholarship award, the Barrick–UDSM success story reinforces a clear message: when excellence is cultivated; it competes, and wins, anywhere in the world.