DAR ES SALAAM: DEPUTY Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Professor Daniel Mushi, has commended the Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology (DIT) for its initiative to recognise outstanding students for their academic and innovative achievements.
Speaking at the institute’s annual Best Students Awards ceremony, Prof Mushi lauded the DIT Council for fostering competition and innovation through these awards.
“This initiative inspires excellence and creativity among students, encouraging innovations that benefit society,” he said. Established in 2000, the awards initially coincided with graduation ceremonies but have been celebrated on a separate day since 2006/2007 to give them greater prominence.
The awards recognise continuing students, graduates and alumni for their academic achievements and impactful innovations.
This year’s ceremony featured various student and alumni innovations, including one by final-year Mechanical Engineering student, Joshua Macha. Joshua was recognised for designing a machine to assist premature babies, addressing the critical shortage of life-saving equipment in hospitals.
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He explained that his inspiration came during an industrial visit to a hospital in Dar es Salaam, where he saw neonatal units struggling with overcrowded equipment.
“Seeing two or three babies sharing a machine designed for one was heartbreaking. It motivated me to create a cost-effective solution,” he said.
He began developing his machine in 2021, creating a prototype in 2022. Despite challenges in understanding healthcare standards and regulatory requirements, he persevered with support from DIT’s laboratories, instructors and design studio. Currently refining the design, he plans to begin production next year.
“The feedback on my prototype was encouraging. I’ve incorporated it into my final-year project and hope to start mass production soon,” he said.
Looking ahead, he aspires to become an entrepreneur and innovator, using his skills to contribute to societal development. The DIT Best Students Awards continue to inspire young innovators like Joshua while reinforcing the institute’s commitment to academic excellence and practical solutions for community challenges.
