SPC -Journalist-Zanzibar.
The Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar has stated that the Tanzania Higher Education Students' Loans Board (HESLB) has demonstrated a true commitment to serving students by providing loans fairly, without discrimination or favoritism.
This was mentioned by the Minister of Education and Vocational Training, Lela Muhamed Mussa, in a speech read on her behalf by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Khamis Abdalla Said, during the culmination of the higher education exhibition in Zanzibar.
“We have witnessed significant progress in serving citizens, as this is part of the government’s commitment. These loans are issued fairly, without discrimination,” she said.
She emphasized that through this board, the government has eased the financial burden on parents and guardians, ensuring that Tanzanians have access to higher education, with a fair and just implementation process.
Speaking about the exhibition, she noted that it has been beneficial for education stakeholders, as their challenges have been heard and addressed.
She added that the presence of board officials in universities in Zanzibar has helped students solve problems and receive various guidelines.
The Executive Director of HESLB, Dr. Bill Kiwia, stated that, in its journey, the loan board has so far provided loans worth TZS 8.2 trillion to 830,000 students.
He mentioned that the board offers various financial support products, including loans for undergraduate and diploma students, as well as the Samia Scholarship grant for outstanding students.
“We have every reason, in this 20-year period, to commemorate and celebrate because it has been a long journey of progress,” he said.
He added that for the 2024/25 academic year, they anticipate reaching nearly one million students, as they are currently funding 247,000 students with TZS 787 billion allocated for their education.
Umrat Suleiman, the chairperson of the Zanzibar loan board, stated that more than 18,570 students have benefited from the loans, with TZS 118 billion disbursed and TZS 24.10 billion recovered.
One of the beneficiaries through the Tanzania Social Action Fund (TASAF), Salha Bakari Said from Abdurahman Al Sumait University, expressed gratitude for receiving student loans through TASAF, highlighting its role as a bridge between students and the loan board.
She urged the government to continue the program, as it benefits not only students but also the community at large.
“We were informed that this program will end in September, but we request its continuation because it has helped many,” she said.
Aisha Ali Mtumwa, a student pursuing a science education course at Sumait University, thanked TASAF and the board for providing loans and requested an increase in funding to help students manage their expenses.
“There are many of us at home, but I am the only one who has benefited. There are still others who need this kind of assistance,” said Aisha.
Another student benefiting from TASAF, Miraji Alfan Musa, who is studying arts in education, warned that if the program is discontinued, it will cause significant challenges to many communities, as it has benefited a large number of people.
He explained that his parent, who receives financial support from TASAF, has started a poultry business, which has helped him in his studies.
"Even though I receive a loan, the income my parent earns from their business helps me with additional personal expenses," he said.
He urged the government to continue supporting low-income households, as discontinuing the program would negatively affect many families, emphasizing that Tanzania is no longer as poor as it used to be, thanks to TASAF.
The TASAF Coordinator for Unguja, Makame Ali Haji, stated that through the loan board, more than 100 students from low-income families have accessed higher education and received loans since 2020.
He added that 60 students currently taking exams have received loans from the board and, in collaboration with HESLB, efforts are being made to ensure that 100% of eligible students receive funding.
He explained that the loan application form includes a special section that allows students from low-income households to be identified, where they enter their household support program number.
“We are very grateful to the loan board, but we ask them to continue expanding the eligibility criteria so that more students can access education and secure loans to build a strong future workforce,” he said.
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