PM bans blocking students over tuition fees

DODOMA: PRIME Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba has directed higher learning institutions across the country to allow students to sit for examinations despite outstanding tuition fees so as to safeguard academic progress.

Dr Nchemba issued the directive in the National Assembly yesterday, while responding to a question from Ms Latifa Juwakali, (Special Seats, CCM), who had raised concern over the practice of preventing university students from sitting for examinations due to unpaid fees.

In his response, the Prime Minister acknowledged that tuition fees remain a critical source of funding for many institutions, particularly those receiving limited government subsidies.

However, he stressed that financial constraints should not be used to deny students the opportunity to be assessed.

He noted that Tanzania has long maintained a flexible system in which students are allowed to sit for examinations regardless of fee arrears, while institutions retain the right to withhold academic certificates until all dues are settled.

Dr Nchemba directed universities and colleges to revert to this established practice, allowing students to complete their examinations while enforcing compliance at the certificate issuance stage.

“Examinations are intended to assess a student’s knowledge and preparedness, not their financial capacity. Preventing students from sitting for exams unfairly penalises them for circumstances beyond their control,” said Dr Nchemba.

He added: “I direct our educational institutions to adhere to the longstanding practice of not preventing students from taking examinations.”

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The Prime Minister further stressed that denying students the opportunity to sit for exams amounts to punishing them for the economic circumstances of their families.

He also called on institutions to strengthen communication with parents and guardians, ensuring that outstanding financial obligations are communicated early to avoid disruptions to students’ education.

“The responsibility for paying tuition fees lies with parents or guardians. Students should remain focused on their studies,” he said.

Dr Nchemba further reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding access to higher education through increased student loan funding.

He said allocations for higher education financing have nearly doubled since the sixth phase government took office, rising from about 400bn/- to over 900bn/- annually, significantly widening access for eligible students.

He also urged loan beneficiaries to honour their repayment obligations, stressing that timely repayment is essential to sustain the fund and extend opportunities to future students