Strengthen global partnerships, Mzumbe University told
MOROGORO: MZUMBE University (MU) in Morogoro has been urged to strengthen its international relations and partnerships to attract more foreign students and expand opportunities for its faculty to teach abroad.
The call was made by retired Chief Secretary Ambassador Philemon Luhanjo, during the university’s 25th Alumni Council meeting held on Wednesday at the main campus.
Ambassador Luhanjo said that given the university’s long-standing reputation in higher education, it is essential for Mzumbe to intensify its global engagement, particularly through its ongoing internationalisation programme.
“I urge the University management to expand collaborations with international institutions. We want the strong reputation of this university to translate into increased enrolment of students from other countries,” he said.
He also encouraged the management to mobilise more graduates to join the Alumni Council, noting that a strong alumni network can support key initiatives, including scholarships for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“I am impressed by the alumni’s initiative to fund education for students who cannot afford university costs. To support this effort, I personally contribute 10m/-. We must strengthen this initiative so more students can benefit while studying at Mzumbe University,” Amb Luhanjo added.
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He urged current students to have confidence in the institution, saying that Mzumbe continues to produce national leaders, including the sixth phase President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Vice- President Ambassador Emmanuel Nchimbi, both of whom are alumni.
Ambassador Luhanjo further expressed satisfaction with the University’s growth, citing increased student enrolment and expanded academic programmes.
He reiterated the need for the University management to boost international student admissions to enhance revenue and strengthen the institution’s global standing.
Mzumbe University Vice-Chancellor Professor William Mwegoha said the institution is committed to expanding international cooperation and improving its curriculum to attract foreign students as part of a broader strategy to enhance academic quality and increase income.
Prof Mwegoha said the university aims to scale up both outbound mobility for its students and inbound enrolment from abroad.
“This plan seeks to increase the number of students going abroad and those coming to study at Mzumbe University. It will elevate our international profile and improve our competitiveness in the higher education sector,” he said.
During the meeting, the 25th Alumni Council officially adopted its constitution, enabling it to operate more effectively and support key initiatives, including scholarships.
“This year we have started by sponsoring two students, and as we progress, the number will continue to increase,” Prof Mwegoha noted.
At the ceremony, a Bachelor of Environmental Management student Ms Merina Baradyana, was named Best Student of the Year and awarded 2m/-, of which 500,000/- was contributed by The Business Registrations and Licensing Agency (BRELA), while CRDB Bank dished out 1.5m/-.
Speaking after receiving the award, Ms Merina said the recognition was a major motivation for her and other students.
“I am grateful for this award. Through my field of study, I am committed to supporting government efforts in addressing climate change by working with various institutions to conduct research,” she said.
