MWANZA: HIGHER learning institutions under construction in 14 regions are expected to be operational in the next academic year, according to the Deputy Minister for Education, Mr Omary Kipanga.
The Deputy Minister made the announcement over the weekend during a visit to the 18th Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology (DIT) Mwanza Campus.
Last year, the government allocated approximately 972bn/- for the project. The University of Dar es Salaam is overseeing the construction of campuses in Kagera and Lindi regions, while Ardhi University is handling the Mwanza campus and Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences is working on the Kigoma campus.
Moreover, the Mwalimu Julius Nyerere University of Agriculture and Technology is constructing a campus in Tabora, the Arusha Institute of Accountancy is developing a campus in Ruvuma and the Tanzania Institute of Accountancy is building one in Singida.
“These are just a few of the campuses, but all regions without higher learning institutions will soon be served. We are starting with universities that offer courses in science, technology and information and communications technology (ICT), so that we can produce enough experts to meet global technological demands,” Mr Kipanga explained.
He further elaborated that about 70 per cent of the project funds will be used for infrastructure, including the construction of lecture halls, laboratories, administration blocks and conference halls.
The funds will also cover the purchase of ICT equipment to modernise the new campuses, enabling Tanzanian students to attend online lectures from universities around the world.
“Similarly, local lecturers will be able to teach university students globally. The funds are also allocated for capacity-building programmes to help our academicians improve their online teaching skills,” he added.
In parallel, the government is enhancing the Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA) by establishing new colleges nationwide.
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Songwe is the only region that previously did not have a VETA college, but construction is now underway. Mr Kipanga also stated that the government is committed to ensuring every district has a VETA college, with construction ongoing in the remaining 64 districts.
Chairperson of the DIT Council, Eng Richard Masika encouraged graduates to embrace creativity, highlighting the government’s introduction of a centre for entrepreneurship, innovation and incubation. This centre aims to help commercialise youth innovations that address societal challenges.
“The centre is now operational in Dar es Salaam, funded by a 19.6 million Euro (about 48.8bn/-) loan from the Italian government,” said Eng Masika.
DIT Chief Executive Officer, Professor Preksedis Ndomba said that significant infrastructure improvements are underway at the Mwanza campus, made possible through the World Bank-funded East African Skills Transformation for Regional Integration Project (EASTRIP).
The project, valued at approximately 37bn/- includes the construction of teaching and academic blocks, hostels and a skin ginnery.
