IRINGA: VICE-PRESIDENT Dr Philip Mpango yesterday urged higher learning institutions in the country to invest in science and technology research to strengthen their research and innovation departments.
Dr Mpango said that such investments would boost the quality of education across universities and help produce more competent graduates.
The VP was speaking during the 27th graduation ceremony of the University of Iringa (UoI), in Iringa Region.
He called on the private sector to support the efforts by continuing to collaborate with higher learning institutions through funding research, providing scholarships for students in various fields, establishing higher education institutions and partnering with universities to offer practical training and internships.
Moreover, Dr Mpango stressed on the importance ofInformation and Communication Technology (ICT) in teaching and learning at the higher education level.
He said investing in ICT systems would enable the delivery of some courses online, thereby increasing the number of Tanzanians who can access higher education.
“Online teaching would help address the challenge of teacher shortages, as one teacher could reach many students at the same time,” he said.
The VP further called upon universities and other higher learning institutions in the country to collaborate with various local and international stakeholders, to teach important programmes and skills that are lacking in the country, as well as those with a shortage of specialists, such as neurosurgeons, bone marrow transplant, kidney transplant surgeons, robotic engineering, nuclear physics, artificial intelligence applications and nanotechnology.
He also urged graduates to take advantage of various opportunities available in the country, such as in agribusiness, fish farming using cages, renewable energy, digital technologies and ICT, livestock fattening, beekeeping, small businesses and industries to secure capital.
Mpango cautioned graduates about the tendency to seek quick success without working hard. He encouraged them to embrace hard work, avoid shortcuts and remain ethical and trustworthy.
The VP commended the efforts by Kiota Innovation Hub of the University of Iringa for providing innovation and entrepreneurship training to students and entrepreneurs.
