MBEYA: DESPITE periodic increases in student loan funding, the government is being urged to further enhance support to ensure that all students in need can access higher education.
The call was made during the 9th graduation ceremony of the Catholic University of Mbeya (CUoM), where approximately 756 students about 25.4 per cent of those enrolled were unable to complete their studies primarily due to a lack of tuition fees.
CUoM Deputy Chancellor, Professor Romuald Haule, noted that while 2,972 students registered for various programmes in the 2021/22 academic year, only 2,216 (or 74.6 per cent) graduated.
“While a few students were unable to complete their studies due to illness, most had to defer their studies due to financial constraints,” he explained.
He added, however, that 1,534 Bachelor’s graduates, representing 88.4 per cent of the 1,735 who received degrees, were beneficiaries of government loans.
University Council Chairperson, Bishop John Ndimbo, praised the government for its student loan programme but recommended increasing the funding to provide full support for all eligible students.
He noted that some students received only minimal loan amounts, forcing them to postpone their studies due to their families’ limited financial means.
“Many even attempt to use their own pocket money to cover tuition, but it’s often insufficient, forcing them to delay their studies,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of his peers, Bachelor of Arts with Education graduate Shaibu Kalinga echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the government consider providing a flat loan rate to all university entrants to ensure equitable access.
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Minister for Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development, Mr Deogratius Ndejembi, who presided over the ceremony, commended the Roman Catholic Church’s role in Tanzania’s education sector.
He highlighted that CUoM and other Catholic institutions consistently produce graduates equipped to serve in various public sectors.
The Minister encouraged graduates to use their skills and knowledge gained at CUoM to contribute to their personal growth and the country’s progress.
