Christina Chula Wins Continental Recognition as UDSM Expands Staff Professional Development Drive
By Dickens Dominic, CMU
The University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) has continued to strengthen its commitment to staff development and professional excellence, with members of staff gaining national and international recognition through active participation in professional training programmes, conferences, and sector-specific engagements.
The latest milestone comes after Ms. Christina Chula received recognition during the African Association for Public Administration and Management (AAPAM) conference for her exemplary dedication and contribution to public service delivery.
The recognition adds to her earlier achievement as recipient of the University of Dar es Salaam Best Administrative Staff Award, further highlighting UDSM’s growing investment in building a competent and high-performing workforce.
Speaking after receiving the award, Ms. Chula described the recognition as a collective achievement for the University community.
“I receive this award with great humility. It is not solely a personal achievement, but a reflection of the professionalism, hard work, and commitment demonstrated by staff of the University of Dar es Salaam,” she said.
She added: “I encourage every member of staff to continue serving diligently and to remain united in advancing the interests of the University and the nation.”
UDSM intensifies implementation of staff capacity development agenda
The recognition comes as UDSM intensifies implementation of its staff capacity development agenda during the 2025/26 financial year through structured participation in high-level professional forums and training programmes across different sectors.
During the period, 22 staff members participated in the Records and Archives Management Professionals’ Meeting, while 10 staff attended the Drivers’ Conference in Dodoma.
Another 37 staff members participated in the Office Management Skills and Procedures Training for Office Assistants in Dodoma, as the University continued strengthening professional competencies across operational units.
In the transport and administration sector, two staff members attended the Transport Officers’ Professional Conference, while 30 staff members represented UDSM at the Annual Meeting of Public Service Administration and Human Resource Professionals (AAPAM) held in Arusha. One staff member also participated in the Health Secretaries Association Annual Meeting for Mainland Tanzania in Mbeya.
The University further recorded strong participation in professional office management and procurement engagements. A total of 38 staff members attended the Annual Professional Conference of the Tanzania Association of Professional Secretaries (TAPSEA) in Arusha, while 15 staff members participated in Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) professional engagements.
In the finance and communication sectors, 40 staff members attended the Accountancy and Finance Professional Forum, while six staff members participated in Communication and Marketing professional engagements aimed at strengthening institutional visibility and strategic communication.
UDSM Deputy Vice Chancellor – Planning, Finance and Administration, Prof. Bernadeta Killian, said the University considers professional development a strategic investment in institutional transformation and service delivery.
“The University’s investment in staff development is deliberate and strategic. We are committed to building a motivated, competent, and globally competitive workforce capable of delivering quality services and supporting UDSM’s broader transformation agenda,” she said.
Prof. Killian noted that beyond improving individual competencies, the programmes are strengthening institutional effectiveness, accountability, and operational efficiency across the University.
She added that UDSM staff are increasingly contributing to national and international professional platforms not only as participants, but also as keynote speakers, organizers, moderators, and technical experts.
“This growing visibility reflects the professional credibility of our staff, and the confidence institutions continue to place in UDSM expertise,” she said.
University’s continued commitment to human capital development
Stakeholders from different professional associations also commended the University’s continued commitment to human capital development.
The Chairperson of the Association of Administrative Officers at UDSM, Mr. Josephat Buhenyenge, said continuous professional exposure is essential in strengthening institutional performance.
“It is important for administrative professionals to uphold discipline and professionalism because this directly contributes to institutional trust and efficiency. UDSM’s commitment to staff development is highly commendable,” he said.
Similarly, CPA Rita Tanganyika, Chairperson of the Finance Club, said professional forums help strengthen financial accountability and improve institutional learning.
“These engagements are important in ensuring financial practices remain aligned with evolving professional and global standards,” she noted.
Ms. Halima Twaha, Chairperson of Office Management Professionals, said UDSM staff continue to demonstrate growing influence within national professional networks.
“The consistent participation of UDSM staff in national professional platforms reflects a strong and intentional culture of professional development within the University,” she said.
According to the University, the staff development initiatives are already contributing to improved administrative efficiency, better service delivery, stronger institutional coordination, and enhanced competitiveness in teaching, research, innovation, and public service.
UDSM maintains that investment in human capital remains central to its long-term vision of strengthening institutional excellence and sustaining its position as a leading university in the region.