DIT attains landmark ISO certification
DAR ES SALAAM: THE Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) has officially certified the Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology (DIT) as the first higher learning institution in the country to meet international education standards, marking a major milestone in the sector.
The certification, ISO 21001:2018, recognises DIT’s compliance with globally accepted standards in education management and service delivery.
Speaking during the handover ceremony in Dar es Salaam on Thursday, last week, TBS Director General, Dr Ashura Katunzi said ISO certification reflects a high level of accountability and commitment to quality.
“ISO is not merely a mark of quality but also a mark of accountability,” she said.
Dr Katunzi noted that DIT has set a national benchmark by becoming the first education institution in Tanzania to attain ISO certification, distinguishing itself through adherence to international standards.
“DIT is the first education institution in the country to be ISO certified,” she emphasised.
She urged other institutions to seek certification through TBS in order to enhance credibility, build public trust and attract students from neighbouring countries.
However, Dr Katunzi cautioned DIT against complacency, calling for continued improvement in performance and service delivery.
“DIT should not be complacent with what it has achieved. It must continue to innovate, strengthen transparency and accountability and ensure decisions are based on evidence and proper evaluation. You should document what you do and do what you document,” she said.
ALSO READ: Startup identity crisis ends with landmark national policy
She further encouraged education institutions across the country to emulate DIT, noting that ISO certification adds value and demonstrates commitment to global standards.
“By attaining ISO certification, DIT has chosen quality over routine practices,” she said.
Dr Katunzi also explained that TBS is a fully accredited institution authorised to issue internationally recognised ISO certificates, adding that such services, previously offered mainly by foreign private firms, are now available locally.
On his part, Chairman of the DIT Governing Council, Mr Richard Masika, said the idea to pursue ISO certification was initiated during the 2021/2022 financial year.
“In today’s competitive environment, it is not enough to know that you are good; you must be certified,” he said.
He highlighted benefits of certification, including international recognition, improved utilisation of human and learning resources, inclusive education, access to further accreditations and enhanced quality of graduates.
Guest of Honour, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Dr Hussein Mohamed Omar, described the certification as a significant achievement reflecting DIT’s compliance with global standards.
“Attaining ISO certification is proof that DIT has met international standards in service delivery and institutional management,” he said.
He added that the milestone aligns with national development priorities, noting that quality education is key to building a competitive, skills-based economy.
“This means that DIT is not only a national institution but also an international one. It sends a strong message that quality education is not optional but an obligation,” he said.
