Tanzanian graduates stranded in Sudan without certificates

For many, these documents represent more than just pieces of paper; they symbolise years of hard work, sacrifice, and hope for a brighter future.

Unfortunately, due to unforeseen challenges, their dreams of using their education to secure jobs, further their studies, or contribute meaningfully to society are fading, leaving them in a state of frustration and uncertainty.

Semili Pazi, a Tanzanian student from the International University of Africa in Sudan, shared his diminishing hopes. He stated that it is unfortunate that many of them have spent seven years studying abroad only to return home without accreditation.

They invested five years in studying medicine, one year learning the language, and took an additional year off when the world was battling the coronavirus pandemic.

“When I finished my exams, I stayed behind to complete the clearance process and await my certificates. Unfortunately, due to the war that broke out in April 2023, we were forced to return home along with others, and regrettably, we did not receive our certificates,” he explained.

Mr Pazi, who completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Medicine in February 2023, has yet to receive his transcript or certificate, which are essential for job applications.

The students have begun to follow up on the matter through the Ministry of Education.

Mr Pazi mentioned that they were directed to contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for assistance; however, their efforts have not yielded fruitful results.

In November of last year, they learned that the university started operating online, prompting them to continue following up, but their efforts were hindered because the main campus in Khartoum is no longer functional.

Although the university established a branch in Port Sudan and many students made payments online expecting to receive their certificates, nothing has materialised so far.

“We are asking our government to assist us in obtaining recognition or certification that confirms we studied in Sudan and completed our studies. This would enable us to pursue internships and practice our professions elsewhere. For instance, I studied medicine, and it has been challenging for me to seek a job since I have not yet completed an internship,” he elaborated.

He also suggested that the government provide a recognition letter that indicates students attended and graduated from Sudanese universities. Many students would have completed internships by now, and some may have already started working or pursuing further studies.

Sulfian Mbalazi, the leader of the students who studied in Sudan, completed his Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Chemistry in November 2021.

He returned in 2022 to pursue a second degree in the same field and stated that all his certificates for both his Bachelor’s degree and secondary education remain in Sudan.

“We followed up with the Ministry of Education, and they directed us to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We have been writing to the Permanent Secretary of Foreign Affairs since last year, but there has been no response,” he said.

Mr Mbalazi believes that if he were given his certificates, he would have been able to accomplish a lot, but now he feels he cannot do anything.

“The advantage of studying in Sudan is that after finishing your Bachelor’s, when you enter a Master’s programme, they attach you to the university, and you volunteer to teach. I was given a batch to teach first-year students, but unfortunately, the war broke out,” he lamented.

He noted that students from other countries who studied in Sudan and completed their courses have already begun receiving their certificates, but no Tanzanian has received theirs. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation has yet to respond to this issue.

However, The Citizen has seen letters from the Ministry of Education addressed to the ministry of Foreign Affairs, requesting assistance for the students.

Another student, Mr Ibrahimu Kajanja, who completed his Bachelor of Science with honours in Geophysics in December 2022, echoed similar concerns.

He explained that while the university began issuing certificates in 2023, the war interfered with the completion of the process.

“I was in the process of collecting my certificates, but they had not been issued. We returned home on April 27, 2023, with the government’s assistance; if we could return with Air Tanzania through government support, why can’t we receive help now?” he cautioned.

On June 19, 2023, Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) admitted 150 medical students from the University of Medicine, Science, and Technology (UMST) in Khartoum, Sudan.

These students were relocated to Tanzania to complete their final year of studies following the outbreak of war in Sudan.