News

By Jackson Isdory, CMU

The Tanzanian Commission for Universities (TCU) has appointed Professor Bonaventure Rutinwa, a University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) alumnus and Associate Professor of Law, as the convener of a committee to review the Tanzania Universities Act, 2005.

Prof. Rutinwa who is also the UDSM Deputy Vice Chancellor responsible for Academic affairs would lead a team of seven members in shouldering the task namely Prof. Ephata Kaaya, Dr. Estella Ngoma Hassan, Mr. Benard Kongola, Mr. Innocent Mgetta, Ms.  Juliana Munisi; and Ms. Roserine Rutta who will oversee secretariat and logistics.

“Considering your valuable expertise and experience in university education, I am pleased to inform you that the Commission has appointed you as a Convener of a seven members Technical Committee to carry out the review process of the Universities Act, Cap. 346”, stated the appointment letter, signed by the TCU Executive Secretary, Prof. Charles Kihampa.

The information further indicated that the review of the said Act was needed to respond to the significant developments in the higher education landscape recorded over the past two decades at the national and regional levels.

The review of the Act is expected to provide recommendations to bolster the ongoing efforts by the Tanzanian government under the leadership of H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, to improve the country's higher education sector.

The appointment of Professor Rutinwa, a prolific legal academic, is an indication of the TCU's trust in his leadership abilities and expertise.

Meanwhile, Prof. Rutinwa said he was very grateful for this appointment and emphasized and asked for cooperation from all stakeholders, including government agencies, universities, and students, in providing relevant and useful recommendations in the process.

“I am very much honored to have been chosen to lead this important committee, and I am committed to ensuring that this review process is conducted in a consultative and inclusive manner”, said Prof. Rutinwa.

UDSM substantial contribution

Commenting on this appointment, the University of Dar es Salaam Vice Chancellor, Prof. William A. L. Anangisye said that the appointment of Prof. Rutinwa had signified the substantial contribution UDSM had made in shaping the Tanzania's higher education sector.

“This appointment manifests the University of Dar es Salaam’s long history of producing top-notch graduates who continuously make significant contributions to various sectors. With him at the helm of this committee to review the Tanzania University Act, UDSM is well-positioned to maintain its status as a leading institution of higher learning in Tanzania and the region”, said Prof. Anangisye.

The academic community has welcomed the appointment of the committee, expressing optimism that it will steer Tanzania's higher education sector in the right direction.

“The distinguished members of this committee possess vast knowledge of the opportunities and challenges facing universities in Tanzania and the education sector in general; thus, we are optimist that their work will indeed be very productive,” said Dr. Augustina Alexander, the UDSM Acting Director of Internationalization, Convocation and Advancement.