DODOMA—June 18, 2025: In an interview with XRC Chronicles, Raja Nasir (Nasir Razzaq), director and CEO of the Expert Novice Group and its units and convenor of global initiatives like UNITE, X-PEN iD, SEINU, etc., opened up about his ongoing academic and research journey at the University of Dodoma (UDOM). The conversation sheds light on both the aspirations and the underlying challenges of international education in East Africa.
First Impressions and Realities: Navigating the UDOM Terrain
Without masking his tone, Raja Nasir described UDOM as a place of "potential in waiting," where the infrastructure exists, but the execution often falters. While many aspects of the university were commendable—its welcoming environment, multicultural community, and large-scale operations—he did not shy away from pointing out the obstacles that international students encounter early on.
“If UDOM truly wants to be a global education hub, some internal systems need recalibration,” he noted, choosing his words carefully.
A major concern highlighted by Raja Nasir was the unjust and disproportionate fee structure imposed on international students. The disparity, he stressed, is not limited to tuition fees alone but extends into multiple layers of the financial framework.
International students are required to pay more than three times the amount local students pay, covering not only tuition but also:
UDOSO Fee: A mandatory student organization fee. While UDOSO serves undergraduates primarily, postgraduate international students are still required to pay despite receiving no direct benefit or representation. Raja Nasir emphasized that there is no direct relationship between UDOSO and postgraduate students. In his discussion, he shared how the Postgraduate Chairman often deflects issues, saying
"VC is responsible" or claiming that "meetings are scheduled for Monday"—which never happen.
He proposed to the DVC that such positions should be volunteer-based, not salaried.
"When money is involved," he argued, "leaders no longer act in the public's best interest."
He also added that at the postgraduate level, most students are mature enough and rarely even see the chairman monthly.
Hostel Fees: Hostels come with basic services missing—there is no kitchen facility, which forces students to rely on the cafeteria, where food quality is often poor. In a letter to the Vice Chancellor dated February 10, written after multiple discussions from lower to higher administrative levels (each redirecting responsibility upward to the VC), Raja Nasir compiled and conveyed various concerns and proposed suggestions. In response, on February 28, the VC stated that the cafeteria is run by a private entity. This led Raja Nasir to pose a pressing question: "If it's private, why is it located inside the university, especially when hostels lack facilities for self-cooking?"
He said that students, faculty, and staff frequently complain about the food quality, but no one dares to speak up openly, fearing repercussions or indifference from the administration.
“You learn to survive, but you don’t really enjoy,” he hinted.
Water issues are also prevalent—water overflows outside but fails to reach tanks or washrooms due to blocked pipes. Raja Nasir noted,
“It’s not about the lack of resources, it’s about the mismanagement of them.”
He further mentioned that he proposed multiple solutions to the warden, chairpersons, and internationalization director and shared:
"Unfortunately, I don’t have the tools; otherwise, I’d open the pipes and fix them myself. This is my home, and if I can help, I won't wait for engineers or Monday meetings. I don’t need a salary to solve problems."
Medical Checkup Fee: A compulsory one-time fee imposed for a basic health checkup at the university hospital. Raja Nasir noted that even students from countries with advanced healthcare systems are forced to undergo these checkups, despite already having comprehensive medical reports. He subtly implied this appears to be more about collecting funds than ensuring well-being. While other universities globally accept home-country medical reports, UDOM insists on its own limited evaluation.
“There is no special service for international students, yet you'll be treated a little more respectfully than locals,” he remarked subtly, hinting at a performative politeness that doesn’t translate into practical support.
He emphasized that these fee structures discourage diversity and limit access, especially for students from developing nations.
In his meeting with the DVC-ARC (Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic, Research, and Consultancy), Raja Nasir proposed a significant restructuring. If a higher fee is necessary, he proposed limiting it to a 5–20% difference, rather than the current 250–350% increase.
The DVC acknowledged the imbalance, stating:
"Yes, I agree. This is not fair."
The DVC assured that a revised fee policy is under review and will be introduced in the 2025/26 academic year following Senate approval.
When asked about the academic and managerial environment, Raja Nasir responded with thoughtful restraint:
“I do not want to speak much—yet. There is a lot more I’ve already conveyed to the administration, along with thousands of suggestions regarding what could be improved. But we can’t force anyone; we can only suggest.”
When asked about life on campus, Raja Nasir paused—visibly hesitant to speak too directly.
“Let’s just say… if you come from countries where food is life—like Pakistan or India—it’s going to be a real adjustment.”
When questioned whether he would recommend UDOM to future international students, he paused and responded:
“I don’t want to say anything at this stage. I cannot lie to anyone. If someone doesn’t find enough information on the university’s official website, and then emails any official but doesn’t get a response—then they can decide for themselves.”
However, he left the door open for future optimism:
“If I personally observe that what the senior leadership has promised begins to materialize, then yes—I would definitely encourage others to join. But until then, let me stay quiet.”
Raja Nasir’s message was born from belief. He emphasized that he sees enormous potential in UDOM, but that global credibility demands global standards.
“You can’t aim to be an international university while protecting outdated local practices. If you invite the world in, you must also grow up with the world.”
As the conversation closed, Raja Nasir was again asked if he would still recommend UDOM to students from Pakistan or other developing nations. His answer:
“Only if things improve. I believe they will. But not yet.”