HKMU vows enhancing gender equality in education
DAR ES SALAAM: THE Hubert Kairuki Memorial University (HKMU) has reaffirmed its commitment to gender equality in higher education by introducing a Gender Desk to address and resolve genderrelated issues faced by students and staff.
“This desk provides solutions and counselling to victims,” said HKMU Vice Chancellor Prof Yohana Mashalla. He made the remarks ahead of the university’s 22nd graduation ceremony tomorrow in Dar es Salaam, where former National Assembly Speaker Anne Makinda will officiate.
At the event, the university will confer Certificates, Diplomas, Degrees and Master’s Degrees to 264 graduates, including 170 women and 94 men. Graduates include 15 with Social Welfare Diplomas, 71 with Nursing Diplomas and eight with Social Welfare Degrees.
Additionally, 34 will receive Nursing Degrees, while 115 graduates, 63 women and 52 men will be awarded medical doctor degrees.
Two women will earn Master’s Degrees in Medicine and Child Health, two men will be awarded Master’s Degrees in Surgery and five will receive Master’s Degrees in Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
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Prof Mashalla highlighted the exceptional performance of female graduates, aligning with HKMU’s mission to provide equal opportunities in education.
“I congratulate the lecturers, professors and staff for their dedication in nurturing these graduates,” he said.
In the 2024/2025 academic year, HKMU has admitted 513 new students, raising the total enrolment to 1,992, compared to 1,781 in the previous academic year.
The government’s investment in primary and secondary education, including classroom construction and free education, has contributed to the growing demand for higher education.
According to a World Bank report, the need for higher education is expected to double by 2030.
Prof Mashalla emphasised that HKMU is addressing this challenge by expanding its Boko Campus, which will increase enrolment capacity and introduce new programmes, ensuring more students can access higher education opportunities.
