The Higher Education Students’ Loans Board (HESLB) and the National Identification Authority (NIDA) have agreed to use National Identification Numbers (NIN) as a mandatory requirement for students applying for higher education loans, starting from the 2025/2026 academic year.
Speaking in Dar es Salaam on May 16, 2025, during a press briefing, HESLB Executive Director Dr. Bill Kiwia said that from the new academic year, all loan applicants must provide their NINs when submitting applications through the HESLB online system.
“This year, the use of the National Identification Number will be compulsory for every loan applicant. We urge all prospective applicants to obtain their NINs as early as possible, before the loan application window opens and well within the application period,” said Dr. Kiwia.
He emphasized that both institutions—HESLB and NIDA—have taken significant steps to ensure smooth integration of their systems, which are now fully interconnected and able to exchange information seamlessly.
“The decision to use NINs stems from the need to verify the authenticity of applicants’ information. The number serves as a unique and reliable identifier, enabling us to access accurate and comprehensive data on each student,” he added.
Dr. Kiwia further noted that HESLB’s responsibilities include issuing and recovering loans. The use of NINs will enhance the Board’s ability to track loan beneficiaries after graduation, improving accountability and repayment monitoring.
On behalf of NIDA, Director General James Kaji affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring that every Tanzanian citizen aged 18 and above who has completed secondary education is registered and issued with a National Identification Number and ID card.
“This identification will enable young people to access higher education, apply for student loans, and benefit from other essential socio-economic services,” he said.
Mr. Kaji reassured HESLB of NIDA’s readiness to provide efficient registration services and to continue working closely with the Loans Board to ensure timely issuance of NINs to eligible students.
“As we fulfill our mandate, we urge students to also take personal responsibility by registering early. Don’t wait until you’ve been admitted to university or are seeking employment to apply for your NIN. Such delays often create last-minute congestion at our offices,” he cautioned.