Prof. Tibuhwa Elected Executive Secretary of Tanzania Universities Quality Assurance Forum
By Jackson Isdory, CMU
The University of Dar es Salaam has reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing female academic leadership with the election of Prof. Donatha Damian Tibuhwa as Executive Secretary of the Tanzania Universities Quality Assurance Forum (TUQAF) for the 2025–2028 term.
TUQAF, a registered body of quality assurance practitioners, works closely with the Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU) to uphold and enhance standards across higher education institutions. The election, held on 15th September 2025 at the Open University of Tanzania, marks an important milestone in strengthening the national higher education quality assurance framework.
Prof. Tibuhwa, who is from the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), brings to the role a distinguished record of research, teaching, and public service, complemented by proven leadership. She previously served as UDSM’s Director of Postgraduate Studies for six years and currently heads the University’s Quality Assurance Unit. In these positions, she has been instrumental in shaping postgraduate training and ensuring the maintenance of academic excellence and integrity.
Congratulating her on the appointment, the UDSM leadership reiterated its commitment to inclusivity, excellence, and gender balance in academia. They noted that Prof. Tibuhwa’s success reflects the University’s deliberate efforts to create an enabling environment for female staff to excel at the highest levels of scholarship and leadership.
Speaking after the announcement, UDSM Vice Chancellor, Prof. William A. L. Anangisye, described the milestone as a proud moment for the institution. “It not only highlights her personal commitment and scholarly contributions in molecular biology and biotechnology but also reinforces our institutional ethos of upholding gender equity in leadership and academia”.
He added that Prof. Tibuhwa’s new role will enhance the University’s visibility in advancing quality assurance across the higher education sector.
Prof. Tibuhwa, a distinguished molecular biologist and biotechnologist, is the only female professor at UDSM in this highly specialised field. Her appointment represents both personal academic excellence and the broader strides the University continues to make in empowering women in science, leadership, and governance.
Promoting Quality Assurance in Higher Education
The outgoing Executive Secretary of TUQAF, Dr. Daphina Libent-Mabagala, congratulated Prof. Tibuhwa, expressing confidence in her ability to steer the Forum into a new era of excellence.
“Prof. Tibuhwa’s election is a well-deserved recognition of her dedication and academic credentials. I have no doubt that under her leadership, TUQAF will continue to thrive as a trusted platform for promoting quality assurance in higher education”, said Dr. Libent-Mabagala.
She added that Prof. Tibuhwa’s combination of rigorous scholarship and visionary leadership would inject fresh energy into the Forum and inspire many, particularly young women in academia.
Prof. Tibuhwa’s election is not only a personal achievement but also a symbolic victory for female academics in Tanzania, especially in STEM fields where representation remains limited. By ascending to this role, she stands as a beacon of possibility, inspiring the next generation of female scholars and professionals.
Expressing humility and determination, Prof. Tibuhwa said: “I am deeply honoured to have been entrusted with this responsibility by my colleagues across Tanzanian universities. This appointment is not about me alone; it is a testament to the collective progress we are making in advancing quality assurance and academic excellence in our institutions”.
She added: “I am particularly inspired to carry this torch as a woman in science, demonstrating that with commitment and support, female academics can rise to the highest levels of leadership and influence.”
Through her appointment, UDSM further strengthens its reputation as a leading institution that not only upholds academic rigour but also champions inclusivity and empowerment as drivers of its growth and impact.