Parliamentary Committee commends UDSM strategic infrastructure advancements for students welfare
By Jackson Isdory, CMU
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Culture and Sports has commended the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) for its tangible progress in implementing strategic infrastructure projects geared towards improving student welfare namely the expansion of the Magufuli Hostel and the construction of a modern students centre.
During an official oversight visit to UDSM, the Committee conducted a site inspection of ongoing developments and expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of the works described as “milestone projects aligned with the University's broader institutional mission to foster a conducive learning and living environment for its student community”.
Speaking during the visit, Hon. Husna Sekiboko (MP), Chairperson of the Committee, commended the government, under the leadership of Her Excellency President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, for its unwavering commitment to advancing higher education.
“In alignment with the national agenda for education transformation, the Government, through the Ministry of Finance, has allocated TZS 9.4 trillion to accelerate the development of these critical infrastructure projects,” noted Hon. Sekiboko.
She emphasised that the rapid progress of these projects was a result of the government’s strategic investment in education.
“The Committee further recognises the strategic contribution of UDSM alumni, whose support of TZS 4.4 billion underscores the value of collective commitment to national development”, stressed Hon. Sekiboko.
Government focus on expanding students accommodation
The Deputy Minister for Education, Science and Technology Hon. Omary Juma Kipanga (MP), who was part of the delegation, reiterated the government's focus on expanding student accommodation facilities to address persistent accommodation shortages in higher learning institutions.
"The government is implementing a long-term strategy to construct additional student hostels to alleviate accommodation challenges and continues to increase the number of lecturers by training more than 1,000 lecturers at various higher education levels worldwide”, said Hon. Kipanga.
He added: “This move aims to increase the number of highly skilled professionals, who will significantly contribute to improving the country's education quality and stimulating national development”.
Two notable projects
In the first construction project, which is related to accommodation, UDSM has added two floors to Blocks A and E of Dr. J.P.J. Magufuli Hostel. Completed on May 5, 2024, the expansion will provide accommodation for an additional 576 students (192 females and 384 males), increasing the hostel's capacity from 3,840 to 4,416 students.
The project aims to alleviate the accommodation shortage and improve the learning environment, with procurement of beds, mattresses, tables and chairs.
The second project, a UDSM Students’ Centre which is a six-floor building (four upper floors and two semi-basement levels), is being constructed (in its second phase) to improve student amenities and enhance services and experience at Mwalimu Julius K. Nyerere Campus.
The Centre comprises parking for 22 vehicles, a generator room and an electrical room in the lower basement. The upper basement features office spaces, a food court, and a VIP lounge.
The ground floor of this building hosts banks, retail shops, a stationery outlet and a cafeteria, while the first floor provides office spaces and a locker room. The second floor has student conference halls and student union offices, and the third floor features a large conference hall and additional offices.
UDSM’s commitment to infrastructure development
UDSM Vice Chancellor, Prof. William A. L. Anangisye, thanked the government for supporting critical infrastructure projects.
"The construction of these facilities reflects President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan’s commitment to improving higher education infrastructure. Her administration has responded swiftly to the existing challenges by ensuring timely financial disbursement to support these developments”, said Prof. Anangisye.
Prof. Anangisye reaffirmed the University’s institutional commitment to accountability, value-for-money, and performance-driven execution.
"The University remains steadfast in ensuring that every resource entrusted to us is deployed with integrity and strategic intent. We remain fully aligned with the aspirations of our government in delivering a higher education system that is inclusive, innovative and globally competitive,” he stated.
The Representative of the UDSM Council Chairperson, CPA Moremi Marwa, highlighted the vital role played by the UDSM Council in facilitating the progress of these projects through strategic oversight and advisory contributions.
He further emphasised the University’s commitment to exploring Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) as a sustainable approach to addressing student accommodation needs.
“As part of our forward-looking agenda, UDSM is actively engaging private sector stakeholders to expand accommodation through sustainable Public-Private Partnerships (PPP). This approach enables us to meet demand while ensuring students’ access to adequate, high-quality housing”, CPA Marwa explained.
Also present during the inspection was Prof. Daniel Mushi, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, who expressed optimism about the projects' timely completion and their long-term impact on students’ academic experiences and overall well-being.