UDOM student government launches innovative scholarship fund

DODOMA: THE Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Professor Carolyne Nombo, has applauded the leadership and innovation of the University of Dodoma Student Organisation (UDOSO) for establishing a sustainable scholarship fund aimed at supporting needy students through investment in government bonds.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister during the official launch of the UDOSO Scholarship Fund in Dodoma on Monday, Prof Nombo described the initiative as a major milestone and a shining example of youth-led accountability, innovation, and solidarity.

“This is not just ordinary assistance — it is a long-term investment in the next generation of leaders, professionals, and innovators,” she said.

“The launch of this fund showcases the capacity of Tanzanian youth to design and implement creative solutions that directly address challenges within their communities.”

The scholarship fund was established following a strategic decision by the UDOM Student Government to invest 100m/- in Treasury Bonds through the Bank of Tanzania. Covering the period from December 18, 2024, to May 22, 2039, the investment is expected to generate 15.15m/- in annual interest.

These proceeds will be directly channelled to cover tuition fees for first-year students, with 11 students from disadvantaged backgrounds benefiting each year.

Prof Nombo praised the initiative as a bold and timely response to the growing economic challenges facing students, noting that many capable learners risk dropping out due to lack of tuition fees and basic needs.

“This scholarship fund aligns perfectly with the government’s broader efforts under the Sixth Phase Administration to promote equitable access to higher education,” she said.

ALSO READ:UDOM, ICT Commission agree to establish digital innovation hub

“It also supports the 2014 Education and Training Policy (2023 Edition), which aims to develop a knowledgeable and skilled Tanzanian population.”

While acknowledging the government’s continued financial support through the Higher Education Students’ Loans Board (HESLB), Prof Nombo noted that the demand for student loans far outweighs the available budget.

She commended UDOSO for establishing a fund that is not only sustainable, but also transparent.

“I am particularly impressed by the fact that the student government has gone further to develop a set of regulations to govern the fund’s operations — including eligibility criteria, application procedures, and a management framework to ensure fairness and accountability,” she said.

Prof Nombo also commended the University of Dodoma (UDOM) management for nurturing responsible and visionary student leadership.

“This is a commendable achievement that reflects positively on the university’s leadership. I urge other academic institutions in the country to emulate this model,” she said.

She encouraged UDOM management to continue mentoring and supporting UDOSO to develop more innovative and impactful ideas.

On his part, UDOM Vice Chancellor, Prof Lugano Kusiluka, described the initiative as “a bold and admirable move that reflects true leadership,” noting that the scholarship fund could serve as a blueprint for other universities.

“In some institutions, student funds are often misused. But what we see here is a transformative initiative that uses financial resources to empower others. As UDOM, we are proud of this effort and congratulate both the current and previous student leaders who laid this foundation,” he said.

Earlier, UDOSO President Jackline Humbaro explained that the idea to invest in government bonds originated from the UDOSO Strategic Plan 2023/24 – 2027/28, which instructed the Ministry of Finance and Planning to identify at least 10 alternative sources of development funding for students.

“The student government of 2024/2025 saw the need to innovate — to find a secure and sustainable way of raising income. Treasury bonds were identified as a safe and efficient option,” she said.

She added that the core objective of the investment is to grow UDOSO’s income base without exposing it to high financial risks, while ensuring the funds are efficiently used to sponsor students in need and support other key development activities.