News

By Zamda George, CMU

The University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) recently conducted a training to the leaders of the Open University of Tanzania (OUT) on managing higher learning institutions for enhancing related capabilities.

The training, which brought together 36 OUT leaders, including Deputy Vice Chancellors (DVCs), Principals, Deans, Directors, and key members of OUT’s management team, focused on unique challenges facing higher education institutions (HEIs).

Launching the training, which was coordinated by UDSM Directorate of Public Services, OUT Deputy Vice Chancellor-Academic, Research, and Consultancy, Professor Alex Makulilo, said the training came at a crucial time “as we strive to improve the quality and governance of our institution”.

Prof. Makulilo said strong leadership is the backbone of any successful university, and today we take a significant step in ensuring that OUT remains at the forefront of higher education in Tanzania.

The participants engaged in sessions on various topics relevant to the management of HEIs. These included leadership and management, University governance structures, and innovative financing approaches, among others.

One of the facilitators, UDSM College of Humanities Principal, Professor Rose Upor emphasised the importance of transformational leadership. "Our institutions face rapidly evolving challenges, and it is only through adaptive and visionary leadership that we can steer them toward a prosperous future”.

The interactive sessions were met with enthusiasm by the participants. One of the training participants remarked, "the insights we have gained here are invaluable. It is not just about managing resources or staff, but about leading with a clear vision and fostering innovation in how we approach education."

Other sessions covered topics such as quality management in higher education, human resource and personnel management, and corporate communication.

One of the facilitators, Professor David Mfinanga, former UDSM Deputy Vice Chancellor-Planning, Finance and Administration, underscored the importance of effective delegation. "Empowering your team is key to organizational success. Effective delegation is not just about assigning tasks, but about cultivating trust and accountability."

In his closing remarks, UDSM Deputy Vice Chancellor Research, Professor Nelson Boniface congratulated participants on their active engagement and said he was certain that the knowledge and skills gained would not only benefit OUT but also contribute to the broader goal of enhancing the higher education sector in Tanzania.

“Leadership is a continuous journey, and I urge you all to continue developing your skills to meet future challenges”, he said.

This important training provided OUT leaders with a comprehensive toolkit to manage the complexities of modern higher education institutions. The participants expressed appreciation for the practical and forward-looking approaches deployed in the sessions.

"This experience has not only broadened our understanding of institutional governance but also inspired us to take bold steps in our respective roles”, said one of the participants.

The partnership between UDSM and OUT continues to strengthen the capacity of educational leadership in Tanzania, contributing to the advancement of higher education in the country.