Vice Chancellor orients DUCE’s First-Year Students to University norms and culture
The Dar es Salaam University College of Education (DUCE) hosted a vibrant and inspiring Vice Chancellor’s Day, during which the Vice Chancellor of the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), Prof. William A. Anangisye, held an engaging session with first-year students. This year’s cohort marks a significant milestone as the 20th group to be admitted since DUCE’s establishment.
The session was graced by DUCE’s top Management, including Principal Prof. Stephen Maluka; Deputy Principals Prof. Amani Lusekelo (Academic, Research and Consultancy); Prof. Pendo Malangwa (Planning, Finance and Administration); deans and directors; student services management; academic and administrative staff; and student leaders.
In his address, Prof. Anangisye warmly congratulated the students for securing admission to UDSM, Tanzania’s oldest and most prestigious institution of higher learning among more than 40 universities in the country. He revealed that for the 2025/2026 academic year, UDSM received 65,762 applications, yet only 13,491, representing 21%, were selected. This, he emphasised, reflects the high competitiveness and esteemed reputation of the institution.
Prof. Anangisye also reminded the students of UDSM’s legacy in shaping national and international leadership. Over the decades, the University has produced numerous distinguished alumni who have gone on to serve as presidents, prime ministers, cabinet ministers, and permanent secretaries. Among the notable figures he mentioned were the late Dr. John Pombe Joseph Magufuli, former President of the United Republic of Tanzania; Dr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, former President and current UDSM Chancellor; Joseph Sinde Warioba, former Prime Minister; Yoweri Museveni, President of Uganda; and Peter Mutharika, former President of Malawi. He encouraged the first-year students to work hard and remain steadfast, noting that with dedication, they too may rise to become prominent leaders and renowned personalities like the UDSM alumni.
In his concluding remarks, Prof. Anangisye emphasised the importance of taking proper care of college property, upholding academic honesty and integrity, and observing appropriate dressing norms within the university environment. He reminded the students that joining a university marks a new beginning and urged them to embrace discipline, especially in time management, stressing that they should manage time and not be managed by time. He encouraged first-year students to attend classes consistently, build positive relationships with peers and staff and safeguard their physical and mental well-being. Above all, he urged them to remain focused on the purpose that brought them to DUCE. Prof. Anangisye reiterated UDSM’s commitment to equal opportunities and firmly stated that any form of gender harassment is not tolerated within the university community.