By Our Reporter
Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Regional Administration and Local Government Riziki Shemdoe has strongly condemned discrimination against students with special needs during national examinations, calling for equal treatment in schools across the country.
Speaking on May 6, 2026 at a stakeholders’ education meeting in Dodoma, Shemdoe said some schools were deliberately sidelining learners with disabilities during standard four, standard seven, Form Two, Form Four and Form Six examinations over fears that their results could lower overall school performance.
“I will oversee the resolution of this challenge of discrimination against students with special needs nationwide so that they get the right to sit for exams like other students,” Shemdoe said.
He directed Regional Commissioners and education authorities to take immediate action against schools engaging in discriminatory practices and ensure full compliance with inclusive education policies.
Shemdoe also urged teachers in schools that host learners with special needs to adequately prepare them ahead of examinations to improve their performance and confidence.
He further called on education leaders at all levels to strengthen innovation and commitment in improving learning outcomes, while praising Dodoma Region for its improved performance in the 2025 primary school leaving examinations.
The minister also commended President Samia Suluhu Hassan for continued investment in school infrastructure, saying it has played a key role in improving education standards across the country.
“Government investment in modern school infrastructure is giving equal opportunities to children from both rural and urban areas,” he said.
Dodoma Regional Commissioner Rosemary Senyamule thanked the government for reforms in the education sector, noting that improved ICT facilities in schools are helping bridge the gap between rural and urban learners.
