PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has made five promises to 1,230,780 pupils completing their primary education examinations today, saying the promises are commitments which the government will ensure are fulfilled.

The pledges were given in a message on her WhatsApp channel, wishing them the best in transitioning from one stage of education and upbringing to another.

She said that as they prepare to contribute to national development the government has created the right environment for them to achieve their goals, citing guaranteed admission to Form One for those who pass.

The other facilitation aspects are four years of secondary education without fees, two years of form five and six without fees, technical colleges in every district for those choosing that path, and higher education loans for those advancing to university, she elaborated.

This promise is aligned with ongoing improvements in economic policies to create more opportunities for each student as they grow and join the workforce, the president affirmed, citing Education Circular No. 3 of 20160 on free education from pre-primary to form four.

Education Circular No. 5 of 2022 eliminated fees for form five and six in public schools, where the removal of the fees and the provision of higher education loans reflect intentions of the 2014 Education and Training Policy. It was aimed at ensuring that all targeted children receive education without barriers, she said.

The construction of technical colleges is part of the National Youth Development Policy of 2007, seeking to provide young people with quality education and skills to enhance the workforce and meet market requirements.

Prof. Adolf Mkenda, the Education, Science and Technology minister, said that budget estimates for the ministry raise higher education loan opportunities from 223,201 students in 2023/24 to 252,245 this financial year.

Dr Said Ally Mohamed, the National Examinations Council of Tanzania (NECTA) executive secretary said that of the registered candidates, 564,176 are boys - making 45.84 percent of total, and 666,604 are girls (54.16 percent).

The bulk of 1,158,862 candidates (94.16 percent) will sit exams in Swahili, while 71,918 (5.84percent) will use English as per the language of instruction, he said, noting that 4,583 candidates with special needs have registered, including 98 visually impaired, 1,402 with poor vision, 1,067 deaf, 486 with cognitive handicaps and 1,530 with physical disabilities.

The exams will cover Swahili, English, Science and Technology, Mathematics, Social Studies, Civics and Life Skills, he said, urging regional and district exam coordinating committees to oversee the security of examination centres.

They must adhere to guidelines provided by the council, he added.