John Magufuli said the civil servants had "robbed us... like common criminals"

He was responding to the release of a government report into fraudulent qualifications in the public sector.

The education minister said that some had been using their relatives' school certificates, while others did not appear on official records at all.
President Magufuli has given those on the list until 15 May to resign or face legal action.

"These people occupied government positions but had no qualifications... they robbed us just like other common criminals," Mr Magufuli said, urging officials to "name and shame" offenders.

"We have been working hard to create new jobs while there are people in government who hold fake degrees," he added. He has also asked newspapers to publish the names of everyone on the list.

There isn't a particular place which is well known for making fake certificates here, but it's easy enough to get hold of one on the black market.

It is very common for people to use fake certificates in Tanzania.

Police raided a house in Dar es Salaam last year and found two individuals with machines, stamps and piles of templates for fake secondary school, birth and even business licence certificates stacked up in a room.

It is also very common for people to use their friends' or family members' certificates.

In this case, when someone gets a job or goes on to higher education, they will actually change their name to match the one on their certificate.