UDOM eyes a five-star hotel, golf course

DODOMA: THE University of Dodoma (UDOM) is planning to setup a five-star hotel, a golf course and an international conference centre within its campus.

According to university authorities, these projects are intended to be implemented through Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) model, geared to generate additional revenue for the institution and contribute to national economic growth.

While these projects aim to align with Tanzania’s Vision 2050 and expand revenue pocket, they raise significant ethical and social issues that must not be overlooked.

Universities occupy a unique position in society. They are institutions established to nurture knowledge, character and leadership.

Their primary responsibility is to create an environment that supports learning, intellectual development, personal and mental growth.

Introducing hospitality businesses, which often include gambling, alcohol and nightlife, threatens the safe and focused environment necessary for academic success.

Studies show that proximity to such facilities can increase risks of student distraction and social misconduct, particularly among vulnerable groups such as female students.

Parents entrust universities with the responsibility of providing guidance, safe and supportive environments where young people can focus on their studies and prepare for their future careers.

The long-term reputation of academic institution and the wellbeing of its students must never be compromised in pursuit of commercial and investment opportunities.

The welfare and safety of students should remain a top priority. Any economic investment should therefore strengthen the learning environment and create opportunities that directly enhance students’ character, academic and professional growth.

UDOM should consider projects that build on its academic strengths and foster student employment, such as building new modern primary and secondary school with international standards dedicated to expanding STEM education, IT skills and innovation directly linked to national curricula, or plan to establish a Regional Development information Centre, with facilities like libraries, innovation bureaus, sports and recreation complexes, student educational centres, student entrepreneurship hubs, and commercial spaces designed specifically to support academic and community development.

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Investments of this type would not only generate income but would also create direct educational value, strengthen graduate employability, and position the university as a leading modal in East Africa.

Make the University stand as a transformative instrument in supporting Tanzania’s industrialisation and infrastructure agenda through partnerships with the private sector, investing on real estate business, manufacturing and information technology.

For instance, rather than building a hotel, why not build residential houses where leaders, diplomats and elite people are potential clients, utilising university’s unique environment space for living and studying.

However, there other investments such as establishing commuter train/tram transport along the ring road in Dodoma as best alternative for the existing public transport, and many others.

Empirical evidence and past experiences underscore the dangers of co-locating university campuses with hospitality venues.

UDOM has faced troubling rumours in the past regarding student involvement in illicit activities; the planned hotel risks exacerbating such tendencies by facilitating easier access to environments where these negative behaviours can flourish.

Furthermore, the interaction between students and an undefined mix of hotel guests can lead to social complications that undermine discipline and the university’s reputation.

The university must uphold moral and social standards by avoiding investments that compromise the integrity of its community.

I respectfully call upon the university to review these proposals, through inclusive consultation, evidence-based planning, and a clear focus on educational excellence, UDOM can chart an investment path that balances financial sustainability with its fundamental responsibility to educate, innovate, and serve the nation.

The future of our universities should be guided not only by economic considerations but also by a commitment to protecting the academic environment and empowering future generations of Tanzanians.

It is my sincere hope that UDOM will carefully consider these suggestions before moving forward with the proposed investments. Mr Robert Cheyo is a parent and resident of Dodoma, Tanzania.