‘Prioritise research that solves Tanzania’s key challenge’

IRINGA: VICE-PRESIDENT Dr Philip Mpango has urged regional commissioners (RC) in collaboration with various research and forest institutions to establish plant gardens which will open up new opportunities for youth to undertake research and manufacture medicines for Tanzanians.

Speaking during the 20th anniversary of the Ruaha Catholic University (RUCU) in Iringa yesterday, Dr Mpango said research and manufacturing of herbal medicines from traditional trees is vital, pressing the need for every region to protect the plants for the benefit of all Tanzanians.

Dr Mpango urged academicians to focus on applied research that tackles existing societal challenges encompassing use of rudimentary technology, poor efficiency in production sectors, human, diseases, environmental degradation, poor governance, dirty politics and gender-based violence.

He emphasised the importance of scholars and professionals to actively participate in national discussions and offer analysis to help educate the public and solve both short-term and long-term challenges.

Dr Mpango said some of the national discussions that require academic’s insights include the Presidential Tax Reform Commission and finalisation of the National Development Vision 2050.

In a related development, the VP urged higher learning institutions to offer quality education and nurture the young generation so as to produce future academicians and thus address the shortage of lecturers and instructors in various institutions in the country.

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He urged local universities to forge collaboration with international universities in sharing experience, skills and address the shortage of academic staff.

Dr Mpango noted that the government will continue to allocate funds for students in universities and polytechnics, saying in the ongoing 2024/2025 Financial Year, the government allocated a total of 254bn/- for loans to new undergraduate students, benefiting over 81,000 students.

For his part, Deputy Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Mr Omary Kipanga, said the sixth phase government has continued to prioritise participation of the private sector in socio-economic activities, including education sector.

He said the government has created conducive environment by ensuring water supply, electricity, improved roads and other services that enable the private sector to operate to deliver quality services and operate smoothly.

RUCU’s Chancellor, Romanus Mihali expressed gratitude on behalf of the Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC) to the government and other stakeholders who supported the completion of the Science Park building project, which also comprises of a health centre.

Mihali doubles as the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Iringa. He said the central goal is to ensure RUCU contributes to the country development.