Stakeholders’ Perceptions On The Effectiveness Of Cost Sharing Policy In Public Universities In Tanzania: The Case Of Dodoma University

ABSTRACT

This study examined the stakeholders‟ perceptions on the effectiveness of cost sharing policy in public Universities, a case of University Dodoma. The study employed a mixed approach where both qualitative and quantitative approaches were used. Further, the study employed a cross sectional research design in data gathering whereas the system theory by Ludwig (1968) and partnership model by Reddy (2002) guided the study. Data were collected from 116 respondents through questionnaires, FGDs and interviews. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze data by computing frequencies, percentage and mean by using SPSS version 20.0. Qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis. Results from the study revealed that majority of stakeholders were not aware of the cost sharing policy. Further, the study revealed that majority of stakeholders had positive perceptions toward cost sharing policy, however, they were dissatisfied with the way loans board implements the policy. Furthermore, the results indicated that stakeholders were dissatisfied with the methods used by loans board to implement cost sharing policy. More importantly, the results revealed that the major challenges HESLB faced include, little budget provided to HESLB, poor commitment of the HESLB management, poor loan recovery and lack of awareness among stakeholders. Moreover, the findings revealed that stakeholders suggested for the government to increase the budget to HESLB, increase the rate of loan recovery as well as involving local government authorities in identifying needy students. The study ends by recommending that the policy makers should improve the Means Testing and put the policy open on both the portion to be covered by government and that of the students/parents so that the meaning of sharing can be seen.