Mzumbe launches AI research centre to boost education

MOROGORO: MZUMBE University has officially inaugurated the Centre for Artificial Intelligence Research and Innovation (CAIRI), a facility aimed at promoting sustainable research and advancing the use of AI technology in education.

The launch, held at the university’s main campus in Morogoro recently, was officiated by Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic, Research and Consultancy, Prof Hawa Tundui, on behalf of Vice-Chancellor Prof William Mwegoha.

The event brought together science and technology experts, researchers, development partners from Belgium and student beneficiaries. Speaking at the event, Prof Tundui said the world is undergoing a major technological transformation driven by artificial intelligence, noting that universities must keep pace.

“This centre will ensure continuous research on the use of artificial intelligence, particularly in education, and serve as a bridge between knowledge, innovation and societal needs,” she said.

She added that CAIRI will prioritise practical and implementable research through collaboration between the government and other sectors to ensure tangible benefits for citizens.

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The project is funded by the Belgian government through Ghent University under its longstanding VLIROUS initiative. Mzumbe University lecturer and STEM Project Coordinator, Dr Tupokigwe Isagah, said the centre was established to address challenges in education by applying AI to support teaching and learning, particularly in science subjects.

Despite government efforts to enhance technology use in education, he noted that challenges remain.

“The university saw the need to adopt AI solutions to improve teaching, learning and address wider educational challenges in the community,” he said.

Representing the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Dr Othman Mohamed said the centre aligns with the country’s broader strategy of embracing the digital economy.

“Artificial intelligence is already transforming sectors such as education, health, agriculture and national security. Tanzania must be part of this transformation,” he said.