A viral image circulating on social media, which purportedly shows a graduate using a University of Dar es Salaam degree certificate to wrap mandazi, has been confirmed as false following a fact-check investigation.
The image, widely shared on Facebook and other social media platforms, attracted significant attention because it appeared to symbolise growing frustration among graduates over unemployment and limited economic opportunities. In many East African countries, academic certificates are highly valued as symbols of achievement and pathways to better livelihoods.
However, investigations revealed that the certificate in the image was not issued by the University of Dar es Salaam. A reverse image search traced the photograph to an earlier version linked to Nigeria’s Olabisi Onabanjo University, where a similar certificate was also shown being used to wrap snacks.
Further analysis found that both images carried the same serial number, “059647”, and the same issue date of 17 November 2022, indicating that the Nigerian image had likely been digitally altered to create the Tanzanian version.
Additional evidence raised further doubts about the authenticity of the document. While the certificate appeared heavily stained with oil, key details such as the academic classification remained unusually clear and unaffected, suggesting possible digital manipulation.
The date on the certificate also contradicted official records. The University of Dar es Salaam held its graduation ceremony on 30 November 2022, not on the date displayed in the viral image.
In response to the circulation of the photograph, the University of Dar es Salaam issued a public statement on 12 May 2026, describing the certificate as fake and urging members of the public not to share misleading content that could damage the institution’s reputation.
The university stressed that the document was fabricated and had never been issued by the institution.
Fact-checkers warned that while some social media users may view the image as humorous or symbolic, such misinformation could undermine public confidence in higher education and misrepresent the experiences of graduates.
The investigation concluded that the image had been manipulated and does not depict a genuine University of Dar es Salaam degree certificate.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.