Pinda pushes for universities’ role in steering democracy
DAR ES SALAAM: FORMER Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda has urged higher learning institutions in SADC countries to collaborate in advancing the bloc’s goal of championing democracy.
Mr Pinda made these remarks on Monday in Dar es Salaam at a forum celebrating 30 years of providing education through open, online and distance learning by the Open University of Tanzania (OUT), where he serves as a Chancellor.
The forum also honoured the contributions of the first phase President Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, to the establishment of the university. The anniversary theme was “Thirty Years of Unlocking Sustainable Education through Open, Online and Distance Learning.”
He noted that during a recent election observation mission in Botswana, he was encouraged by the commitment of SADC member countries to lead the way in promoting democracy.
“What struck me is that these countries want to be champions of democracy. Universities should focus on the SADC system and consider how they can further contribute to this regional agenda,” Mr Pinda emphasised.
While in Botswana, he received news that the Open University of Botswana wished to meet with him. He found an opportunity to visit the institution.
OUT’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Elifas Bisanda, stated, “Today, we honour the Father of the Nation, who was the founding figure of this university.”
The concept of distance learning brings education to the student, supported by technology. The ‘open’ concept is an education free of restrictions, with no set time to study.
“Over the past 30 years, we have brought the university to a certain level in fulfilling Nyerere’s vision. Moving forward, the university will continue to provide distance learning through technological and governmental support.” Chairman of the Mwalimu Nyerere Foundation, Joseph Butiku, reflected, “Mwalimu Nyerere desired education for all.
He used to say, ‘All people are my brothers and sisters and Africa is one; all people are equal.’ Mwalimu believed that development is for everyone, with education as the key to unlocking hidden knowledge and skills.”
Mzee Butiku argued that Mwalimu dreamed that education would be a tool for liberation. He encouraged the universities to use education to build unity and humanity. You can have a shared agenda focused on ethics.”
