UDSM Council Chair Urges Graduates to Use Knowledge, Integrity to Drive National Development
By Selemani Nambimbi, CMU
The Chairperson of the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) Council, Ambassador Mwanaidi Majaar, has urged graduates to translate their academic knowledge into practical solutions, uphold professional integrity and use their expertise to improve people's lives and contribute to Tanzania's development.
Speaking during the University's 56th Graduation Ceremony, Third Cluster, Ambassador Majaar reminded graduands that their degrees should mark not only the completion of their studies but also the beginning of a greater responsibility to serve society, address emerging challenges and contribute to national progress.
“The degrees you receive are not merely proof that you have completed your studies. They are a responsibility to serve the nation and society with knowledge, integrity and professionalism,” she said.
She challenged the graduates to apply the knowledge and skills they had acquired at the University to real-life situations, encouraging them to think critically, embrace innovation and adapt to the changing demands of the workplace.
She emphasised that their success would depend not only on their qualifications but also on their ability to deliver results, solve problems and create value in their respective professions and communities.
Ambassador Majaar further advised the graduates to uphold ethical standards and professionalism in their careers, reminding them that their conduct would reflect both their personal values and the reputation of the University.
She urged them to become responsible professionals who demonstrate integrity, accountability and a commitment to serving the public interest.
She also encouraged the graduands to recognise the importance of research, technology and innovation in addressing societal challenges. She said knowledge should not remain confined to academic publications or theoretical discussions but should be applied to develop solutions, improve service delivery, strengthen productivity and inform decisions in government and the private sector.
The Council Chairperson emphasised that graduates had an important role to play in advancing Tanzania's development by using their expertise to respond to the needs of society. She encouraged them to remain curious, continue learning and seek opportunities to turn ideas into practical initiatives that benefit their communities and the country.
Proud ambassadors of UDSM
Ambassador Majaar also reminded the graduands to be proud ambassadors of UDSM wherever their careers take them, urging them to uphold the University's values through excellence, ethical conduct and meaningful service.
She noted that the University's standing would be strengthened by the contributions of its graduates and the positive difference they make in society.
Her message to the graduates reflected the University's broader commitment to producing competent, innovative and ethical professionals capable of contributing to national and global development.
The Chairperson also highlighted the importance of sustaining this commitment through investments in higher education, including the Higher Education for Economic Transformation (HEET) Project, which seeks to strengthen infrastructure and improve the environment for teaching, learning and research.
She noted that such investments should ultimately translate into better educational outcomes, stronger research capacity and graduates equipped to respond effectively to the country's development priorities.
Ambassador Majaar further underscored the UDSM Council's responsibility to promote accountability in the use of University resources and encourage partnerships that strengthen the institution's contribution to society.
She stressed that maintaining UDSM's reputation requires a continued commitment to academic excellence, transparency, accountability and high professional standards.
For the graduands, her message was clear: the value of a university education lies not only in the degree awarded but also in how its knowledge, skills and values are put to work to improve lives and advance national development.