MOROGORO: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Leadership (honoris causa) by Mzumbe University, in recognition of her exceptional contributions to national and global development.
This marks the first honorary degree ever awarded by the university since its establishment. The award acknowledges President Samia’s outstanding leadership, which has played a key role in shaping Tanzania’s progress in sustainable development.
The honorary degree was conferred during Mzumbe University’s 23rd graduation ceremony in Morogoro yesterday.
Former President of Zanzibar and the Chancellor of Mzumbe University, Dr Mohamed Shein, said that President Samia truly deserves the honour due to her dedicated service to her country, which continues to yield remarkable results.
Speaking on behalf of the university Senate, Professor Cyriacus Binamungu of Mzumbe University highlighted President Samia’s exceptional leadership and commitment to the development of the Tanzanian people.
“Conferring this honorary doctorate, the first to be awarded by the university, is a symbol of the unique responsibility we carry in recognising her significant contributions to sustainable development efforts both within Tanzania and globally,” Prof Binamungu said.
He noted that the University Senate had evaluated President Samia’s leadership throughout her tenure as Vice-President and her three years as President and concluded that she fully deserves the honorary degree.
“Mzumbe University, an institution focused on leadership education, believes in the philosophy of learning for people’s development. In this context, the university recognises individuals whose leadership has significantly contributed to the development of society,” Prof Binamungu added.
He also emphasised that President Samia made history as the first woman in Tanzania to hold both the position of Vice-President and President.
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He stressed that her success in these roles was not because of her gender, but due to her hard work, integrity and effectiveness in various responsibilities within the ruling party CCM and the government.
Prof Binamungu outlined President Samia’s distinguished career, including her roles as Minister of State in the Vice-President’s Office responsible for Union and Environment Affairs (2010-2015), Minister for Tourism, Trade and Investment in Zanzibar (2005-2010) and Minister for Labour, Youth, Women and Children’s Development in Zanzibar (2000-2005).
In 2014, President Samia demonstrated exceptional leadership as the Vice-Chairperson of the Constituent Assembly that deliberated on constitutional amendments for the United Republic of Tanzania.
Prof Binamungu also said that Dr Samia holds an Advanced Diploma in Public Administration from IDM Mzumbe, where she studied from 1983 to 1986.
“The university recognises that her leadership is grounded in the education and knowledge she gained at Mzumbe, which has fueled her efforts to improve the lives of Tanzanians through sustainable development,” he noted.
President Samia’s contributions extend beyond Tanzania, according to Prof Binamungu. He explained that she has been involved in several international initiatives, including serving on the United Nations panel on women’s economic empowerment, representing Eastern and Southern Africa.
“She has worked with the World Food Programme and serves as a global leader of the Generation Equality Forum (GEF), advocating for gender equality and women’s empowerment,” he said.
Dr Samia’s leadership has also supported significant investments in infrastructure, including water, electricity and clean cooking energy. She has been a champion for environmental sustainability, leading tree-planting initiatives and promoting clean cooking energy across Africa.
Under her leadership, the Tanzanian government has strengthened its judicial systems, infrastructure and digital systems to improve court operations.
President Samia is also recognised for her advocacy for justice, good governance and the well-being of the Tanzanian people. Her leadership philosophy, which focuses on the 4Rs— Reconciliation, Resilience, Reform and Rebuilding—has fostered national unity despite political differences.
Prof Binamungu further acknowledged President Samia’s achievements in improving the education system, expanding healthcare services and implementing initiatives in water, food security and exports. These efforts have contributed to Tanzania’s exports growing to 2.3 billion US dollars (about 6.1 tri/-).
He also noted the successful completion of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma, which has improved transportation and economic development, along with major investments in port expansion, airports and road infrastructure.
Prof Binamungu noted that President Samia’s efforts have significantly boosted Tanzania’s tourism sector, particularly with the global success of the “Royal Tour” film.
