UDOM urged to intensify oversight of Njombe campus project

NJOMBE: THE Njombe Regional Commissioner, Mr Anthony Mtaka, has urged the University of Dodoma (UDOM) management to closely monitor the ongoing construction of its new campus in the region.

The campus is expected to welcome its first cohort of students in the 2026/2027 academic year.

Speaking recently during a UDOM management visit to inspect progress on the project being implemented under the Higher Education for Economic Transformation (HEET) Programme, Mr Mtaka described the initiative as strategic and of great significance to the people of Njombe and the broader Southern Highlands.

“Through this campus, we expect to see young people from Njombe and neighbouring regions access higher education without having to travel far. This will not only boost education but also contribute to the economic development of the area,” said Mr Mtaka.

UDOM Vice-Chancellor, Prof Lughano Kusiluka, expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far in the initial construction phase, but emphasised the need to accelerate the pace to meet the scheduled completion date.

“We have instructed the contractor to increase both manpower and equipment and to ensure that construction continues day and night. There will be no extension of the deadline, we expect the buildings to be completed by May 2026,” Prof Kusiluka said.

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He further said that the university’s management will implement a system for regular on-site monitoring to ensure the project is delivered on time and to standard, rather than relying solely on reports from the consultant.

Prof Kusiluka added that the Njombe campus will offer programmes in Business, Agriculture, Science and Technology, aligning education with labour market demands and the region’s economic activities, which largely revolve around agriculture and forest related trade.

Project Consultant, Engineer Filbert Shayo said that construction has reached 15 per cent completion, with most of the work to date involving building foundations. Preparations for the next phase are ongoing.

“The contractor is on site and we have completed the foundations for most buildings. We expect to begin the superstructures very soon,” said Eng Shayo.

A Njombe resident, Ms Diana Mlewa, described the campus as a game-changer for students in southern Tanzania, saying it will reduce pressure on central universities and broaden access to higher education nationwide.

“We are truly pleased with the establishment of this university in our region. It will ease access to education and encourage more people especially women and young people to pursue studies in business, agriculture and technology,” said Ms Mlewa.

She said for many of the residents in the area who cannot afford to travel far, the campus will offer an invaluable platform for learning, innovation and personal growth.