Prof Mkenda tasks NECTA to enhance examination integrity to produce skilled professionals

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Minister for Education, Prof Adolf Mkenda has urged the National Examinations Council of Tanzania (NECTA) to strengthen examination integrity and reform assessment systems to produce skilled professionals capable of tackling complex challenges.

He said examinations must go beyond testing students’ ability to recall information and instead assess critical thinking, analytical skills and the ability to respond to unfamiliar questions.

Speaking during the inauguration of NECTA’s new board in Dar es Salaam, the minister urged members to work closely with management to improve examination administration and safeguard professional standards.

He said the integrity of examinations is essential to producing competent graduates who could contribute effectively to national development across different sectors.

“Strong examination management is a key foundation for producing quality professionals,” he said, stressing that the credibility of assessment results must be protected.

Prof Mkenda said NECTA has maintained stability and continued to perform its duties effectively, urging the new board and management to build on that foundation by improving assessment systems.

He emphasised the need to evaluate students’ ability to think critically, analyse problems and handle questions that require them to apply knowledge in unfamiliar situations.

The minister said such reforms are essential in helping to ensure that the education system produces professionals with the skills and competence needed to address challenges facing the country.

However, he congratulated the new board chairperson, Prof Alfred Said Sife, on his appointment by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, saying the appointment has strengthened confidence in the council’s leadership.

He also thanked other board members for accepting the responsibility, urging them to discharge their duties with integrity and professionalism.

Among the members appointed by Prof Mkenda are Prof Hassan Rashid Ali of the State University of Zanzibar (SUZA), who serves as vice-chairperson; Prof Makenya Abraham Maboko of the University of Dar es Salaam; Prof Razack Bakari Lokina, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Dodoma; and Dr Aneth Anselm Komba, Director-General of the Tanzania Institute of Education (TIE).

The new board is expected to work with NECTA management to strengthen examination administration and improve assessment standards.