Varsities ordered to consult before introducing new programmes
DODOMA: THE government has directed universities in the country to consult relevant authorities early before introducing new academic programmes, in order to facilitate the development of appropriate employment frameworks for graduates.
The directive was issued in the National Assembly yesterday by the Minister of State in the President’s Office – Public Service Management and Good Governance, Ridhiwani Kikwete.
The Minister was responding to a supplementary question by Special Seats MP, Asha Feruzi (CCM) who wanted to know government’s strategy for absorbing graduates from programmes not included in the Public Service Recruitment Secretariat cadres.
Mr Ridhiwani said the government has been engaging directly with universities whenever new courses are developed to ensure there is a clear arrangement on how graduates will be integrated into employment systems.
He cited Mzumbe University’s Youth Development programme, which is designed to produce youth officers, noting that it had initially not been captured in the government employment structure.
“The government has completed internal consultations and developed a structure that will enable graduates of the programme to be absorbed into the public service system,” he said.
In his basic question, Hai MP Saashisha Mafuwe (CCM) wanted to know the government’s plan to include cadres that are not listed under the Public Service Recruitment Secretariat despite being offered in higher learning institutions.
Responding, Deputy Minister of State in the President’s Office – Public Service Management and Good Governance, Regina Qwaray said the government recognises that some academic programmes have not been matched with formal employment frameworks like other disciplines.
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She said universities have therefore been directed to engage government early before introducing new programmes to enable proper alignment with employment systems for graduates.
Ms Qwaray added that universities offer a wide range of programmes whose graduates can be absorbed in the public service, private sector and international organisations.
She further said the Public Service Recruitment Secretariat continues to manage recruitment based on approved qualifications under public service development frameworks in respective ministries.
“The aim is to ensure that graduates acquire skills that match labour market demands both locally and internationally,” she said.
On proposals to establish a special body to oversee curriculum development, she said the government has received the proposal and is working on it, while continuing to strengthen public service development guidelines in line with changes in science, technology and policy.
