New SAUT Deputy VC pledges academic transformation
MWANZA: THE newly elected Deputy Vice-Chancellor of St Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT), Professor Emmanuel Wabanhu, has pledged to strengthen academic excellence, promote high-level research and embrace modern technology to make the university more competitive nationally and internationally.
Professor Wabanhu made the pledge recently during his investiture ceremony and swearing of newly appointed leaders held at Lavoie grounds in Mwanza.
“SAUT would adopt a deliberate and transformative strategy to improve its academic programmes and continuously enhance the quality of teaching.” he said.
He said the improvements would focus on promoting human dignity and the wellbeing of society, while ensuring that SAUT graduates acquire knowledge and skills that meet the demands of the domestic and international labour markets.
On research, Prof Wabanhu said SAUT would promote high quality research with an international outlook by strengthening systems that encourage knowledge generation, innovation and the application of research findings for the benefit of society.
On his side, the Chancellor of SAUT, Bishop Wolfgang Pisa, urged the university’s management to prepare to deal with major changes in science and technology, including the use of artificial intelligence, in order to make the university a leader in research, innovation and international competition.
Bishop Pisa said this while speaking about SAUT’s direction in dealing with global changes resulting from the rapid growth of technology and international competition in the 21st century. He said SAUT should focus on research and in – novation aimed at solving the challenges facing citizens in Tanzania and Africa, instead of focusing on providing theoretical education alone.
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“We do not want the – oretical education alone. The university must lead in research that will solve the problems of poverty, climate change, health and the economy in the country and in Africa,” he said.
He urged SAUT leaders and lecturers to use their expertise to ensure that the university becomes a leader in research that provides answers and solutions to various challenges facing society.
In addition, Bishop Pisa emphasised the importance of the use of modern technologies in teaching and learning, warning that such developments should go hand in hand with protecting human dignity and values.
He said SAUT should build a digital education system that puts humans at the heart of the use of technology.
“Technology should serve humanity, but never at the expense of our values, dignity and fundamental principles,” he said.
In the area of international competition, Bishop Pissa said SAUT graduates should be able to compete in the job market inside and outside Tanzania by having the skills needed in the 21st century. He mentioned some of these skills as critical thinking, communication, collaboration and creativity.
