Mkenda demands prompt actions on school challenges

DODOMA: MINISTER for Education, Science and Technology, Prof Adolf Mkenda, has called on school inspectors to perform their duties diligently, describing them as the ‘eyes of the government’ in education matters and crucial monitors for the ministry.

Prof Mkenda was speaking during the launch and distribution of vehicles, educational materials and assistive technology for inspectors, teachers and students with special needs.

The initiative aims to strengthen the education system and improve school monitoring nationwide.

He said that the sixth phase government is committed to ensuring that inspectors work effectively, not only by providing offices at council level but also by equipping them with vehicles and essential tools.

“Sometimes, when serious school challenges are spotted, people take pictures and post them on social media. While I do not believe such posts are always intended to cause harm, I treat them as reports that require action. The School Quality Assurance Department has been instrumental in this regard,” he said.

Prof Mkenda added: “Thanks to the Director of School Quality Assurance, I have always been able to identify the schools in question whenever challenges are posted online.”

He cited examples of schools where a single toilet is shared by both students and teachers, saying this reflects negligence by directors and council officials who prioritise other expenditures over urgent school needs.

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“This is unacceptable. No council should fail to provide adequate student toilets unless its revenue is zero. If vehicles, fuel and allowances are available yet such problems persist, it indicates negligence, often because school quality inspectors have not fulfilled their additional responsibilities,” he explained.

Prof Mkenda urged inspectors to report school challenges immediately to the director. If issues remain unresolved, they should escalate them to the district commissioner, and ultimately to the ministry for follow-up.

“This year, we must act with greater speed. Even if vehicles are limited and cannot reach every location, create WhatsApp groups with headteachers to report challenges early,” he said.

He stressed that timely action on school challenges allows citizens to witness solutions rather than posting complaints or clips online highlighting poor conditions.

Prof Mkenda reaffirmed that the government will continue strengthening the School Quality Assurance Department by providing equipment and improving working conditions to enable inspectors to monitor schools fully and effectively.

Director of School Quality Assurance, Mr Ephraim Simbeye, said the department’s operations have been strengthened across all 184 councils thanks to the government’s initiatives.

He noted that structural improvements in the department have significantly enhanced school evaluations nationwide.

“Regarding vehicles, 165 out of 184 councils are now equipped, reducing shortages day by day. Only 19 councils still require vehicles,” he said.

Mr Simbeye added that the vehicles were procured through the Education for Results Programme (EP4R) at a cost of 904.8m/- and are already enhancing the department’s monitoring capacity.