Makinda roots for innovation

KILIMANJARO: THE newly appointed Moshi Cooperative University (MoCU) Chancellor Ms Anne Makinda has challenged the higher institution to embrace innovation as it continues to aspire in churning out academic experts.

Ms Makinda, who replaces former speaker of the National Assembly, Pius Msekwa underscored the importance of innovation in enhancing and improving student experience.

“The economy is moving at an incredible speed whereby creativity is needed from experts who can provide training in the commercial fields, and eventually promote the economy of each individual and the welfare of the Nation,” she said.

Ms Makinda, who also once succeeded Mr Msekwa at helm of the National Assembly, said innovation helps in creating pedagogical experiences through the use of new technologies and digital services.

According to her, it also provides opportunities for growth and expansion.

Ms Makinda, who was recently appointed by President Samia Suluhu Hassan to succeed Mr Msekwa, further commended the university’s management for maintaining its buildings and infrastructure, which she said have remained intact for the last 50 years.

“When I arrived here, I walked around and saw for myself the surroundings of this institution; what attracted me most was that the infrastructure is still in good shape, many years on,” she observed.

In his rejoinder, MoCU Council Chairman Mr George Yambesi, showered praise on the outgoing Chancellor for steering the institution after it had been declared a fully-fledged university.

“Mzee Msekwa leaves behind an inedible mark and legacy which is worth emulated,” he opined.

Ms Makinda becomes the second MoCu chancellor since its inception, thus replacing Mr Msekwa who was appointed by former President Jakaya Kikwete.

He would serve the position for two terms starting from 2015 and end it this year.

Coincidentally, the two happen to be retired speakers of the Parliament of the United Republic of Tanzania, with Mr Msekwa serving between 1994 and 2005, while Ms Makinda succeeded her from 2010 to 2015.