MOROGORO:FORMER Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Peter Msolla, has described the late Prof Anselm Lwoga as a hardworking person who strictly followed the procedures of Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) throughout his 18 years of leadership.
He said his dedication contributed to the significant achievements of the university both nationally and internationally.
Prof Msolla made the remarks while speaking to the Sunday News on Saturday, after a requiem mass for the late Prof Lwoga at St Maria Consolata Parish Church located at SUA premises.
Prof Msolla said that he worked with him for 16 years in the position of Deputy Vice Chancellor, while the late Prof Lwoga served as Vice Chancellor of the university for 18 years.
In the 18 years of Prof Lwoga in service, I was his assistant for 16 years and all the reforms at the university were a result of his efforts, working together with his assistants, including myself,” said Prof Msolla.
He added that together, they initiated changes in the university’s systems and were able to introduce new curricula to meet the global advancements.
“We introduced computer studies, even though it was strongly opposed by many at the time and we also introduced biotechnology courses and communication skills programmes,” Prof Msolla said.
Prof Msolla, who also served as the Member of Parliament for Kilolo in Iringa Region, added that under his leadership, the university introduced the semester system, where students cannot simply say they failed an exam and have to repeat the year. Instead, they are given a retake for the subject they failed to meet the required standard. “SUA was the first university in Tanzania to collaborate with a foreign university and so, under Prof Lwoga’s leadership throughout these years, you can see the significant changes today.
One cannot recognise Sokoine University of Agriculture without mentioning Prof Lwoga,” he said.
He described the late Professor Lwoga as a meticulous person, not one for many words, but rather a person of action.
He urged people, including professionals and scholars, to try to emulate his leadership style, noting that he was a person who followed procedures.
If something was not perfect, he would investigate it first to ensure decisions were made effectively.
Prof Msolla said despite facing major challenges such as student strikes and the inability to pay fees due to the government’s failure to establish a Loan Board, Prof Lwoga maintained a firm stand.
“When I left SUA in 2005, I went on to run for the Kilolo parliamentary seat and was elected as the Minister for Higher Education, Science and Technology during the fourth phase government.
That’s when we established the Loan’s Board and started providing financial support to students,” said Professor Msolla. On their part, the children of the late professor, the Vice Chancellor of the College of Business Education (CBE), Prof Edda Tandi Lwoga and the Director General of the National Museums of Tanzania, Dr Noel Lwoga, at different times, described their father as having raised them with a foundation of good morals and they will continue the good legacy he left behind.
The late Prof Lwoga was buried on Saturday at the Kola Cemetery in the Morogoro Municipality, where his funeral was attended by hundreds of people, including scholars from various universities across the country.
Reading his biography, they mentioned that he was the only Vice Chancellor in the country who served for 18 years, from 1988 until his retirement in 2006, in accordance with the law.
Prof Tandi said that he is remembered for his distinguished service to the nation for 35 years, serving as a teacher, scientist, researcher and leader.
