DIT celebrates academic excellence, inspires innovation
DAR ES SALAAM: THE Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, Professor Daniel Mushi, has commended the Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology (DIT) for implementing a system that recognises outstanding students for their academic excellence and innovative contributions.
Speaking yesterday at the institute’s annual Best Students Awards ceremony, Prof Mushi described the initiative as a vital cornerstone for promoting competition in academics and innovation.
“I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the DIT Council for establishing and effectively managing these awards. Continue recognising students who excel in their studies and innovation,” Prof Mushi remarked.
The ceremony aims to honour and celebrate top-performing students at DIT, fostering competition and creativity among academics and students while inspiring innovations that address societal needs.
DIT launched the awards in 2000 to promote academic excellence and competition. Initially, they were presented during graduation ceremonies, but starting from the 2006/2007 academic year, a dedicated awards day was established to give the recognition its due significance.
The awards are conferred on continuing students, graduates, and alumni who develop impactful innovations for the community.
Such awards are traditionally presented by the Minister of Education, Science, and Technology and the Chairperson of the Technology Council.
This year’s event showcased a diverse range of innovations by students and alumni, including those who have ventured into self-employment after graduation.
One of the event’s highlights was the recognition of Joshua Macha, a final-year Mechanical Engineering student, for his groundbreaking invention designed to support premature babies.
Macha’s machine addresses the acute shortage of life-saving neonatal equipment in hospitals.
Sharing the inspiration behind his project, Macha recalled an industrial visit to a major hospital in Dar es Salaam, where he witnessed the dire challenges faced by neonatal units.
“We observed that two or three premature babies were being placed in a single machine designed for one baby due to a severe shortage of equipment. This struck me deeply,” Macha explained.
He recounted visiting a ward housing 25 premature babies, 20 of whom urgently needed machines. However, the hospital had only a handful, forcing overcrowding in the limited equipment available.
“I decided to embark on creating a solution. Despite knowing it would not be easy, I was determined to reduce the cost of these machines and improve healthcare services,” Macha said.
Macha began developing his machine in 2021, creating a prototype in 2022. He admitted that the process was fraught with challenges, particularly learning about healthcare standards, approved materials, and the requirements of regulatory authorities—all of which lay outside his mechanical engineering expertise.
“The most significant challenge was understanding health standards, approved materials for hospital equipment, and the relevant regulatory bodies. I spent considerable time studying these areas,” he shared.
Macha credited the support of DIT’s laboratories, instructors, and design studio, which were instrumental in advancing his project.
Although the machine is still under refinement, Macha remains optimistic about its future. He anticipates completing the final design next year, paving the way for mass production.
“I developed a prototype that received positive feedback, and I incorporated those insights into my final-year project. If everything proceeds as planned, production could begin soon,” Macha said.
Looking ahead, Macha envisions himself as an entrepreneur and innovator.
“I see myself becoming self-employed and contributing to society through my inventions,” he said confidently.
The DIT Best Students Awards continue to play a pivotal role in nurturing young innovators like Macha, reaffirming the institute’s commitment to academic excellence and practical solutions that address societal challenges.
ENDS…
