The President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Her Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan, emphasized three essential pillars of effective leadership: inclusivity, evidence-based decision-making, and prioritizing national interests.
The pillars, she noted, form the backbone of ethical and impactful governance.
President Samia shared her insights while receiving an honorary Doctorate in Leadership from Mzumbe University, awarded by Chancellor Dr. Ally Mohamed Shein, former President of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar.
This honorary degree is the first awarded by Mzumbe University since its founding, underscoring its significance within the institution’s history.
During her acceptance speech, President Samia underscored the ethical foundations of leadership, advocating for leaders who act from the heart, uphold integrity, and seek divine guidance in their responsibilities.
Reflecting on her own experiences as an alumna of Mzumbe University, she reminisced about the academic challenges she and her peers faced, including frequent power outages that required students to study by kerosene lamps.
“When I first arrived at Mzumbe, I was housed in the Matola dormitory throughout my studies. For those of us from coastal areas, it was a tough adjustment. When the electricity would go out, all we could see were the glowing eyes of hyenas in the surrounding forest. But we persevered, and it’s because of that perseverance that we are here today,” she recounted, encouraging students to leverage their improved educational environment to excel in their studies.
The President reaffirmed the government’s commitment to investing in higher education, particularly in technology and applied research. She highlighted the need for Tanzania to remain competitive within both regional and international spheres by producing graduates equipped with relevant skills.
“We will continue to seek funding to invest in education that addresses the current challenges of our region and the global community,” President Samia stated, addressing the Mzumbe University community after receiving her honorary degree.
In presenting her profile, Professor Cyriacus Binamungu highlighted President Samia’s significant achievements, including her role as Tanzania's first female Vice President and subsequently its first female President.
The honorary doctorate marks President Samia’s fifth such accolade since assuming office, following similar recognitions from the University of Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar University, Jawaharlal Nehru University in India, and Ankara University in Turkey.
Professor Adolf Mkenda, Tanzania’s Minister for Education, Science, and Technology, lauded Mzumbe University’s decision to award President Samia the honorary doctorate, calling it a fitting tribute to her leadership and dedication to educational reform.
“Since taking office in 2021, President Samia has championed an education reform agenda that has gained international recognition, including endorsement by the United Nations. Her commitment to advancing Tanzania’s educational standards reflects her forward-thinking approach and aligns with global priorities,” said Professor Mkenda.
Professor Hawa Tundui, presiding over the graduation, advised the new graduates to actively engage in any lawful work available, rather than waiting for formal employment. She emphasized that while traditional employment opportunities may be scarce, Tanzania’s rich natural resources offer vast potential for innovation and entrepreneurship.
This 23rd graduation ceremony at Mzumbe University saw the conferment of degrees upon 2,817 graduates, including 12 Doctorate degrees, along with numerous diplomas and certificates.
The ceremony underscored the university’s commitment to academic excellence and to producing graduates prepared to meet both national and global challenges in their respective fields.
