Prestige, Scholarship and National Service Define UDSM’s 56th Graduation as 94 New PhDs are Conferred

By Zamda George, CMU

DAR ES SALAAM — An atmosphere of pride, academic excellence and national prestige filled Mlimani City Hall on May 25, 2026, as the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) conferred degrees to 876 graduates, including 94 new PhD holders, during Cluster I of its 56th Graduation Ceremony.

The ceremony, presided over by the University Chancellor and former President of Tanzania, Dr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, reaffirmed UDSM’s position as one of Africa’s leading centres of research, innovation and intellectual leadership.

The 94 doctoral graduates came from 15 academic disciplines, reflecting the University’s growing role in producing highly skilled researchers, innovators and professionals capable of contributing to national transformation and global development.

Unlike the lively celebrations commonly associated with undergraduate graduations, the PhD ceremony carried an atmosphere of academic maturity and scholarly prestige. Dressed in elegant academic regalia, the graduates proudly crossed the stage, symbolizing years of sacrifice, resilience, rigorous research and dedication.

Speaking during the ceremony, Chancellor Kikwete urged graduates to use their education and research to solve societal challenges and contribute to national development.

“Your education must become a tool for bringing positive change to society. The knowledge and expertise you have acquired should help drive innovation, leadership and transformation for the benefit of Tanzania and the wider global community,” said Dr. Kikwete.

He further emphasized the importance of research and knowledge creation in shaping Africa’s future, noting that universities must continue producing scholars capable of providing evidence-based solutions to emerging challenges.

UDSM Vice Chancellor, Prof. William A. L. Anangisye, described the graduation ceremony as a reflection of the University’s continued growth in teaching, research, innovation and international competitiveness.

Presenting the University’s annual progress report, Prof. Anangisye revealed that UDSM currently has 235 researchers ranked among Tanzania’s top 1,000 researchers according to the AD Scientific Index 2026. This represents 23.5 percent of all top researchers across 50 institutions nationwide.

He added that the University has continued strengthening academic quality and labour market relevance through curriculum reforms, with 285 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes reviewed based on stakeholder feedback and changing market demands.

Prof. Anangisye also highlighted major achievements in innovation and research commercialization. During the 2025/2026 academic year, UDSM researchers and innovators registered six patents through BRELA, some involving student innovators.

The registered innovations include technologies for bioethanol production, mushroom cultivation using sisal waste, organic fertilizer production, protein feed development using Black Soldier Fly larvae, and wine production from bamboo juice.

“These achievements demonstrate UDSM’s ability to add value to local resources, promote the green economy and use science to provide practical development solutions,” said Prof. Anangisye.

The Vice Chancellor further revealed that through the Higher Education for Economic Transformation (HEET) Project, the University is currently constructing 21 new buildings and renovating three others, a move expected to increase student capacity by 4,812 spaces.

He added that UDSM has also expanded digital learning infrastructure by increasing internet capacity, digitizing more than 1,000 courses and providing short-term professional training to nearly 3,000 staff members.

Addressing graduates directly, Prof. Anangisye reminded them that education is both a privilege and a responsibility to society.

“Education is not merely a personal achievement or decoration. It is a responsibility and a debt to the nation. Use the knowledge you have acquired to serve society, create opportunities and contribute to national development,” he said.

He encouraged graduates to embrace innovation, entrepreneurship and opportunities within the digital economy, especially in situations where formal employment opportunities may not immediately be available.

One of the most inspiring moments of the ceremony was the graduation of Dr. Paul Msoka, a visually impaired scholar who earned a PhD in Education after previously completing both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees within the UDSM system.

Dr. Msoka’s achievement stood out as a powerful testimony to resilience, determination and the University’s commitment to inclusive education and equal access to academic opportunities.

A researcher specializing in inclusive education and visual impairment studies, Dr. Msoka has contributed scholarly work focused on improving learning opportunities for students with visual impairment in Tanzania’s inclusive schools.

His achievement inspired many graduates, lecturers, family members and guests attending the ceremony, particularly young Tanzanians living with disabilities who aspire to pursue higher education and professional excellence.

Throughout the ceremony, emotional moments unfolded as graduates celebrated with supervisors, colleagues, friends and family members. Smiles, embraces and photographs reflected years of perseverance, sacrifice and academic dedication behind every success story.

Established in 1961, the University of Dar es Salaam remains Tanzania’s premier institution of higher learning and a symbol of academic excellence. Over the decades, the University has produced influential leaders, policymakers, scholars, diplomats, entrepreneurs and professionals who continue shaping Tanzania, Africa and the wider world.

For the Class of 2026, the graduation ceremony marked not only the completion of an academic journey, but also the beginning of a new chapter of leadership, innovation and national service.

As celebrations continued outside Mlimani City Hall, one message remained clear — the future of Tanzania’s intellectual, scientific and developmental transformation continues to be shaped at the University of Dar es Salaam.