PRESIDENT JOHN MAGUFULI WANTS STRICT LOAN ISSUANCE

President John Magufuli cuts a ribbon shortly before unveiling the foundation stone of the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) hostels blocks in Dar es Salaam yesterday. He is flanked by his wife Mama Janet, Chief Secretary, Ambassador John Kijazi (third right), Minister for Education, Science, Technology and Vocational Training, Prof. Joyce Ndalichako (fourth right), Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Ms. Mariam Tarish (second right), Tanzania Building Agency (TBA), CEO, Architecture Elius Mwakalinga (right) and other Government officials.

President John Magufuli has directed the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Vocational Training to seal the loopholes in the current grading and come up with the best mechanism in issuance of higher learning students loans which he said only the needy should obtain.

He outlined the loopholes under the current system as improper allocations of students in universities, loans being issued with favouritism, failure to meet criteria when issuing loans, ghost students and opening universities before the government has reimbursed the loans to students accounts.

Moreover, he said, education stakeholders should meet and foster the best way to reduce the mushrooming of universities in the country.

Dr Magufuli also directed all responsible authorities to come up with best mechanisms to recover loans from higher learning institutions loan beneficiaries which stands at 2.6tn/-.

He gave the instructions in Dar es Salaam yesterday when speaking at a ceremony to lay a foundation stone for University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) hostels dubbed ‘Mwalimu Nyerere’ campus. He said it was high time for them to find a better solution in reducing universities some of which were unnecessary.

President Magufuli said beneficiaries who owe the government 2.6 trn/- should pay back the loans which means the Higher Education Students Loan Board (HESLB) will have enough money to support other students.

“It is important to come up with proper mechanisms that will assist the HESLB to collect its money from loan defaulters. Beneficiaries should also be reminded that they can be sued for not paying as per legal requirements,” he insisted.

Dr Magufuli said this financial year the government has set aside 483bn/- to cater for 93,000 continuing students and 25,000 undergraduates insisting that only those from poor families will benefit.

“Currently, there are a lot of universities in the country and some have enrolled few students. It is time for stakeholders to analyse the direction of education in our country,” he noted.

He added that a lot of effort has been put in place in establishing universities as if that was the only education level needed in the country and forgotten about tertiary education which was crucial in providing middle class workers.

In June, this year, President Magufuli announced a 10bn/- support to help improve students’ hostels, but urged social security schemes also to consider investing in universities where there is a huge demand for accommodation.

On student loans, he said it was crucial for them to keep calm as the government was working on it. Recently, various issues have emerged. One of them being that of ghost workers and students.

“As we resolve this matter I want students to bear with us. They should understand that our aim is to support them and not otherwise,” he noted. He also said ministries and authorities responsible for providing loans should seek the best way to govern disbursement of loans.Speaking at the same occasion, the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Rwekaza Mukandala, said the 10bn/- project would benefit 3,840 students. Each room will shelter four students.

Prof Mukandara said the project has reached at a good stage. The university has already commenced making beds and chairs through the funds from an investor - Mlimani City. “We will also construct a dining hall to accommodate 800 students at a time.

A total of 498m/- is needed for fencing the campus. The Ministry of Education is currently looking for the funds to do the job which will be contracted to Suma JKT,” he said.

Last month, Dr Magufuli directed the vice- chancellor to use money from its sources of income including money obtained from Mlimani City Mall which is located within the university’s territory and use them for construction of the hostels. The university administration said it receives 1.3bn/- each year.

The Minister for Education, Science, Technology and Vocational Training, Professor Joyce Ndalichako, on her part acknowledged the government’s commitment to support the higher learning institution, advising students not to get involved in politics.

“It is important for students to focus on their studies instead of cooking up stories which are not even true. If you want true facts visit our website for proper information,” she said while elaborating about recent allegations on loan allocations to fewer students.

Prof Ndalichako said HESLB has received 80bn/- for loan issuance to higher learning students in the country for the first quarter of the year. The money will cover all qualified applicants.

Daily News