Dar es Salaam. In a moment of recognition and celebration, three exceptional students from the University of Dar es Salaam’s School of Business (UDBS) were awarded a total of Sh15 million for their outstanding academic performance in the 2023/24 academic year.
Each student received Sh5 million, marking a significant milestone in the collaboration between the university and NMB Bank.
The recipients of this prestigious award were Tracy Bosco Beda, who graduated with a Bachelor of Banking and Financial Services; Halbert Humphrey Urio, who earned his Bachelor of Commerce in Finance; and Achiless Emmanuel Leonard, a Bachelor of Commerce graduate in Accounting.
The students’ achievements were formally acknowledged during a special award ceremony held recently at the university.
The symbolic cheque was presented to Prof. Donatha Damian Tibulwa, Director of Graduate Studies at UDSM, by Joanitha Rwegasira Mrengo, Head of Human Resources at NMB.
This ceremony was not just a celebration of individual achievements, but also a demonstration of the ongoing partnership between NMB and UDSM, which has been fostering excellence in business education.
Speaking during the event, Prof Tibulwa underscored the significance of the award, noting that the collaboration between NMB and UDSM has inspired healthy competition and motivated students to reach their academic potential.
“These cash prizes are a direct result of our partnership with NMB, and they have undoubtedly encouraged our students to excel,” he said, emphasizing the importance of continued collaboration between the two institutions.
“It’s this kind of initiative that helps our students demonstrate their readiness to take on leadership roles academically and professionally,” he added.
Prof Tibulwa also took pride in the university’s role in shaping future business leaders.
“While this event may seem modest in its scale, it carries great importance for NMB employees and for us at UDSM. We are proud to be part of an effort that nurtures and recognizes talent,” he explained.
“It is a reminder that we are not only producing graduates, but individuals who are prepared to contribute to society and to the business world.”
Ms. Mrengo, for her part, reflected on NMB’s belief in the potential of youth, stressing that the future lies in the hands of the younger generation.
“At NMB, we believe that ‘the future is youth,'” she said.
“We are committed to nurturing young talent through various initiatives, such as our Management Trainee program, Internship Program, and Field Attachment Program. Over 600 young people have passed through these programs, with 70 of them now employed by NMB.”
She also extended her congratulations to the parents and guardians of the awardees, acknowledging their critical role in helping their children succeed academically.
“This award represents the collective effort of the students, their families, and the leadership at UDSM,” she remarked.
The award recipients expressed their heartfelt gratitude to NMB for the initiative, which they said had fueled their determination to excel academically.
“This reward has been a great motivation for us, and we are grateful to NMB for recognizing our hard work,” said Ms Beda, one of the awardees.
Adding: “It encourages us to continue striving for excellence and to inspire our fellow students to put in more effort.”
Dr Tobias Swai, Head of the Department of Finance at UDSM, also congratulated the awardees, reminding them that their journey was just beginning.
“As you step into the competitive job market, remember that your hard work and achievements have prepared you for success,” he urged the graduates.
The ceremony reflected a continuing tradition of excellence and support.
Last year, NMB awarded a total of Sh20 million to four top-performing students, including Esther Charles Maboja and Tatu Rajabu Kikanda, who shared the top spot in the Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting program.
The partnership between NMB and UDSM continues to make a lasting impact on students, empowering them to reach new academic heights and preparing them for professional success.
