DAR ES SALAAM: FINANCE Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba has urged university graduates to repay the loans they received from the Higher Education Students’ Loans Board (HESLB) so that other underprivileged students can also benefit.
A keynote speech delivered by Deputy Minister of State, President’s Office – Planning and Investment, Mr Stanslaus Nyongo on behalf of Dr Mwigulu during the Institute of Finance Management (IFM)’s 50th graduation ceremony in Dar es Salaam over the weekend emphasised that the loans are meant to revolve and benefit others.
“I understand that some of you who have graduated today [Saturday] were able to achieve this milestone after securing loans from HESLB. This is the government’s intention to serve its citizens regardless of their status. The initiative was established for those who qualify for higher education but face financial constraints.
“Let me remind beneficiaries of government loans to assist their peers in achieving their dreams by beginning to repay their loans,” the Finance Minister said.
Failure to repay the loans, he added, will affect the government’s efforts to empower more citizens through education.
On the other hand, Dr Nchemba congratulated the 3,927 graduates and expressed optimism that the skills and knowledge they gained at IFM would serve as vital tools in their lives.
He advised the graduates to be good ambassadors wherever they go by avoiding drug abuse, corruption and other actions that threaten the country’s peace, unity and solidarity.
“The improvements will support efforts aimed at enhancing sustainable development,” he said.
Regarding the shortage of staff, the Finance Minister promised to collaborate with IFM’s management to ensure the recruitment of qualified personnel capable of serving the institution’s growing student population.
On his part, IFM Council Chairperson Prof Emmanuel Mjema advised graduates to use advancing technologies responsibly for personal development rather than letting them cause destruction.
“Let’s use technology responsibly to improve our education and personal growth, as well as to honour the sacrifices made by our parents to ensure we are educated,” he emphasised.
Earlier, IFM Rector Prof Josephat Lotto revealed that of the 3,927 graduates who studied across 38 courses at the institution, 2,206 (56.2 per cent) were male, while 1,721 (43.8 per cent) were female.
