Govt reviews university admissions for quality
DODOMA: THE government is reviewing the university admissions system as Form Six leavers apply for higher education, saying it wants to expand access without compromising the quality of education.
Minister for Education, Science and Technology Prof Adolf Mkenda said the review would help ensure universities admit students within their capacity while creating more opportunities for those seeking higher education.
“We want more Tanzanians to have access to higher education, but this must not come at the expense of quality,” Prof Mkenda said.
He made the remarks at the weekend in Dodoma after meeting vice-chancellors and chairpersons of university councils from across the country to discuss admissions and other issues affecting the higher education sector.
The minister urged students to continue submitting their university applications, saying the government would issue further guidance on the admissions process.
“I encourage students to continue applying as the government finalises the necessary guidance on admissions,” he said.
Prof Mkenda said the government had put measures in place to protect both students and universities by requiring institutions to admit students only within their approved capacity.
“Universities must admit students within their capacity to provide quality education,” he said.
He said any increase in student enrolment must be matched by investment in infrastructure, teaching staff, classrooms and other facilities.
“Expanding enrolment must go hand in hand with expanding infrastructure and teaching capacity,” he said.
The minister said the government had also been increasing higher education capacity through the construction of university campuses in different regions.
“The construction of campuses in different regions will create more opportunities for students who might otherwise struggle to secure places,” he said.
According to Prof Mkenda, increasing university enrolment is essential to improving participation in higher education and producing the skilled workforce needed to drive the country’s economic transformation.
The ministry is also expected to meet leaders of colleges operating under the National Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (NACTVET) to discuss education quality, student registration and admission management.
Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU) Executive Secretary Prof Charles Kihampa said maintaining quality in higher education required continuous cooperation among universities, the government and the commission.
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“Quality assurance is a continuous responsibility that requires close cooperation among universities, the government and TCU,” Prof Kihampa said.
He added that stronger coordination would help institutions respond more effectively to the growing number of students seeking admission.
Moshi Co-operative University (MoCU) Vice Chancellor Prof Alfred Sife said the meeting had examined ways of improving the admissions process.
“We discussed how to improve admissions so students are enrolled according to their qualifications and academic potential,” Prof Sife said.
Teofilo Kisanju University (TEKU) Council Chairperson Dr Aggrey Mlimuka said universities must continue safeguarding academic standards.
“We must maintain high educational standards to produce competent and highly skilled graduates who will contribute meaningfully to the economy,” Dr Mlimuka said.
