ZU honours Mwinyi with Doctorate degree
ZANZIBAR: PRESIDENT Hussein Mwinyi yesterday graced the 22nd graduation ceremony of the Zanzibar University (ZU) pledging to keep education among the top priorities of the government.
In his speech at the vibrant ceremony held at the university’s main campus in Tunguu-Bungi, Unguja South Region, President Mwinyi emphasised the importance of education in driving both social and economic development, not only for Zanzibar but globally.
He explained that his government has heavily invested in the education sector, recognising it as crucial for transformation and progress.
“With this in mind, the government has developed specific strategies within the education sector to contribute significantly to economic and social development in Zanzibar. Education is also a key priority in the 2020-2025 CCM Election Manifesto,” Dr Mwinyi said.
He highlighted the shared responsibility of government and private universities, along with other academic institutions, to enhance research collaboration, provide academic guidance for development projects and adopt modern teaching methods.
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Dr Mwinyi noted that such an approach is vital for the growth of universities and that the government holds high expectations for graduates from both local and international institutions. These graduates play a crucial role in implementing development plans.
The President assured that the government would continue creating favourable conditions for the advancement of education, ensuring universities are well-equipped with modern tools and facilities.
“This will help prepare our graduates to compete in both local and international job markets and become effective leaders and professionals,” he added.
Dr Mwinyi also thanked the Zanzibar University management for producing quality graduates. He expressed confidence that the university is instilling the foundations of excellence, ethics and patriotism in students, preparing them to meet the demands of the global job market and align with national goals.
Dr Mwinyi, who was conferred with an honorary doctorate for his exceptional leadership and contributions to Zanzibar’s development, commended the university for its progress, including the introduction of a Master’s programme in International Relations and Diplomacy, set to begin next academic year.
He underscored the importance of International Relations and Diplomacy in the current era, noting that global connections are vital to advancing the country’s economic diplomacy. He also praised ZU for developing a Mass Communication programme and establishing a Broadcasting Centre (Studio) for radio and television.
This initiative will educate, entertain and inform the community while providing valuable media experience for students. Furthermore, Dr Mwinyi acknowledged the ongoing efforts to establish an Entrepreneurship Centre and a hospital on campus, which will address health challenges, improve safety and create employment opportunities.
The President also commended ZU for signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Zanzibar Economic Empowerment Agency (ZEEA) to foster entrepreneurship among university students.
“This is a significant innovation that will help young people engage in self-employment, contributing positively to our nation,” he said.
He urged all parties to cooperate to ensure the success of the programme and encourage students to participate, aligning with the government’s efforts to combat unemployment.
Before conferring the honorary doctorate to Dr Mwinyi, Zanzibar University Chancellor Eng Abdulqadir Othman Hafez praised the President for his excellent work, noting that his late father, Mzee Ali Hassan Mwinyi, had approved the university’s construction and allocated land for it.
Zanzibar’s Minister for Education and Vocational Training, Ms Lela Mohamed Mussa, also expressed her ministry’s satisfaction with the contributions of private higher learning institutions in supporting the government’s student training efforts.
