PM urges varsities to align curriculum with job market
DAR ES SALAAM: PRIME Minister Kassim Majaliwa has called on the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology to collaborate closely with the Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU) and the National Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (NACTVET) to ensure all academic curricula are aligned with the evolving needs of the job market.
He emphasised that education reform must start at the foundation by strengthening early childhood, primary and secondary education so that every Tanzanian child gains essential knowledge, practical skills and critical thinking abilities from an early age.
The Premier was speaking during the opening of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere symposium held at the University of Dar es Salaam yesterday with the theme; ‘A Skilled Workforce for National Development: Advancing Mwalimu Nyerere’s Legacy Towards Vision 2050.”
Mr Majaliwa, who represented President Samia Suluhu Hassan at the symposium, said the government ultimate goal is to nurture a competent and innovative workforce capable of driving sustainable economic growth both individually and nationally.
He insisted that advancing Mwalimu Nyerere’s legacy requires investing in people and ensuring that Tanzanians acquire the education, skills and ethical values needed to become self-reliant and contribute meaningfully to national development.
“The government is committed to building a skilled workforce capable of competing in both regional and international job markets, while also driving the growth of our national economy,” said Mr Majaliwa.
He urged institutions such as the Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA), community development colleges and entrepreneurship training centres to design curricula that directly respond to the needs of the production and industrial sectors.
Moreover, the Premier called on higher learning institutions, including UDSM, Mbeya University of Science and Technology (MUST) and the Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology (DIT), to strengthen their focus on industrial technologies, clean energy and the digital economy.
Mr Majaliwa also encouraged collaboration with the Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) to promote innovations that tackle community challenges and drive socioeconomic development.
He also urged local enterprises, industries and private organisations to collaborate with government institutions in establishing workplace training programs that equip young people with practical skills.
He directed the Prime Minister’s Office, Labour, Youth, Employment and Persons with Disability to work closely with stakeholders including religious leaders and civil society to strengthen youth programmes that promote ethics, discipline and integrity.
Mr Majaliwa stressed on the importance of civic education and national history, including Mwalimu Nyerere’s philosophy as essential tools for nurturing a generation that is diligent, respectful and patriotic.
Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Prof Daniel Mushi, acknowledged the private sector’s vital role in building the national workforce through infrastructure development, research, practical training and the establishment of private educational institutions.
He noted that the government continues to invest in higher education, including increased funding for student loans through the Higher Education Students’ Loans Board (HESLB).
