By Jacob Mosenda Education writer/journalist with The Citizen Mwananchi Communications Limitted
What you need to know:
Dar es Salaam. A growing desire among Tanzanian parents and guardians to send their children abroad for studies has led many into the clutches of fraudulent agents, The Citizen has found out.
The allure of prestigious universities overseas has been fuelled by Tanzania’s economic development and individual financial prosperity, according to experts.
However, amidst this surge in demand, a cautionary tale looms large: the prevalence of unreliable agents preying on the dreams of eager students and their families.
Experts have sounded the alarm on the proliferation of fraudulent agents, particularly in the online realm.
A seasoned consultant, Mr Job Byemela, painted a grim picture of unsuspecting Tanzanian students falling victim to the deceitful tactics of fake online agents.
“More and more fake agents are rising, linking up with unpopular and unregistered overseas institutions to lure students and parents,” Mr Byemela warned while speaking to The Citizen by telephone interview.
The consequences of falling into the trap of fraudulent agents can be dire, as illustrated by the ordeal of Mr Moses Mbwana, 34.
Deceived by promises of a reputable university in India, Mr Mbwana found himself among a mere fraction of students in an unaccredited institution, robbed of both his money and educational prospects.
“I found myself in an institution that hadn’t been accredited and was just starting to recruit students through agents who enticed me. I found only 25 students in the entire university,” he said.
“I decided to find a way to return home with the help of my relatives, but almost all my money, nearly Sh8 million, was lost. I am grateful to Tanzania for the recent steps it has taken to protect its people.”
In response to these challenges, the Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU) said it has been at the forefront of safeguarding students’ interests.
The executive secretary of TCU, Prof Charles Kihampa, stressed the importance of caution in navigating the complex landscape of overseas education.
“While agents can provide valuable assistance, the prevalence of fraudulent practices necessitates stringent oversight,” Prof Kihampa asserts.
Recognising the need for concrete measures, TCU recently introduced the No Objection Certificate (NOC), a vital tool in verifying the accreditation status of overseas universities.
This certificate serves as a safeguard against fraudulent schemes, providing assurance to students and parents alike.
“Those who find themselves trapped by unscrupulous people are those who do not follow these procedures to verify information before beginning applications,” he said.
Amidst the shadows cast by fraudulent agents, hope emerges in the form of registered study abroad agencies committed to upholding integrity and trust.
EduKwanza Consultancy Limited, a three-year-old agency, stands out for its innovative approach to guiding students towards trusted educational pathways overseas.
The Managing Director and Co-Founder of EduKwanza, Mr Sarfraz Kassam, told The Citizen recently that the agency’s mission was to be a beacon of trust amidst a sea of uncertainty.
“We aspire to be a one-stop centre for students’ educational needs in Tanzania and be trusted amidst fake agents,” Kassam affirmed.
EduKwanza’s commitment extends beyond mere recruitment, offering comprehensive support encompassing career counselling, university applications, and visa procurement.
They say that their services come at no cost to students, with universities covering all expenses.
By fostering meaningful interactions between Tanzanian students and representatives from universities across Europe, EduKwanza orchestrated events like the “Study in Europe” exhibition in Dar es Salaam recently, providing a platform for informed decision-making.
Representing Constructor University in Germany, Mr Stevan Milosevic acknowledged Tanzania’s significance as a source of talent for European institutions.
“Tanzania has emerged as a vital source of students for our institutions,” Milosevic said, highlighting the mutual benefits of cross-cultural exchanges.
For parents like Dr Ramesh Shah, who have navigated the complexities of overseas education, initiatives like the NOC and EduKwanza inspire confidence.
“The procedures instituted by TCU have instilled confidence among parents like myself,” Dr Shah reflects, emphasising the importance of transparency and comprehensive guidance in the journey towards overseas education.
He said, however, that the cautionary tales of fraudulent agents served as a sobering reminder of the need for vigilance.
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