Law reform to boost education quality
DAR ES SALAAM: A SWEEPING review of the Education Act is underway, with stakeholders warning that without urgent legal reforms, ongoing curriculum and policy changes risk remaining ineffective in classrooms.
Education experts, civil society actors and government officials met on Friday to validate recommendations aimed at aligning the law with the Education and Training Policy of 2014 (2023 Edition), recent curriculum reforms and emerging social and technological realities.
Speaking during the validation meeting, Tanzania Education Network (TENMET) National Coordinator, Ms Martha Makala, described the process as a decisive moment for the sector, noting that legal alignment is essential to translate policy into measurable improvements in learning outcomes.
“When laws lag behind policy and curriculum changes, implementation becomes fragmented. This review is about ensuring coherence and accountability across the entire system,” she said.
Ms Makala commended the government for maintaining a participatory approach throughout the review, involving professional consultations, collection of opinions and detailed analysis of implementation gaps in the current Act.
Recommendations presented during the meeting focus on strengthening supervision and accountability mechanisms, improving teaching and learning environments, building firm foundations for inclusive education, establishing effective systems to monitor education quality and clearly defining institutional roles and mandates within the sector.
Stakeholders emphasised that reforms must ensure the education system responds effectively to labour market demands, technological transformation and broader socio-economic changes. On her part, Deputy Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Ms Wanu Hafidh Ameir, said stakeholder engagement is central to raising standards and improving service delivery.
“Education stakeholders are a cornerstone of this sector. Their input strengthens the reforms and ensures they are practical and implementable,” she said.
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Ms Ameir also acknowledged the cooperation shown during the rollout of the improved curriculum, noting that the government, under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, remains committed to fully implementing reforms designed to enhance quality and access.
Chairperson of the Review Committee, Prof Saudin Mwakaje, said modernising the Education Act is critical to strengthening social, economic and institutional development.
He stressed that legislation must provide a solid framework that supports quality teaching, protects learners’ rights and ensures clear governance structures.
According to Prof Mwakaje, the review has involved stakeholders at multiple levels of the education system to ensure broad-based input and national interest considerations. He noted that misalignment between policy directives and legal provisions has created operational challenges in some areas, underscoring the need for comprehensive amendments.
The compiled recommendations are expected to proceed to the next legal stages for formal amendment and eventual implementation. If adopted, the revised law is anticipated to provide stronger accountability mechanisms, clearer institutional mandates and a more responsive education system capable of meeting contemporary demands.
