The University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) has received USD 47.5 million for various education advancement activities that will rapidly transform the campus in academics, thanks to the World Bank's Higher Education for Economic Transformation (HEET) project.
The agreement to disburse the funds was signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Dr. Francis Michael and the Vice Chancellor of the University of Dar es Salaam, Prof. William Anangisye.
The Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Adolf Mkenda, who was the guest of honour at the occasion, said the fund is part of the total one trillion Tanzania Shillings World Bank loan to the government, allocated to different higher learning institutions in Tanzania, aimed at transforming higher education in Tanzania.
“We are very grateful to the World Bank for this very big loan which results in a major transformation of the higher education sector in the country. We highly value this initiative and that is why I wanted all of us, including the leaders of higher learning institutions, to attend this important function”, said Prof. Mkenda.
Prof. Mkenda urged the leaders of higher learning institutions to make sure that the funds are well spent so that there is value for money. He was optimistic that the related expenditure would be in line with what the 6th phase government under H.E President Samia Suluhu Hassan envisages.
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Dar es Salaam, Prof. William Anangisye thanked the government of the United Republic of Tanzania, and the World Bank, for the funds allocated to UDSM, and insisted that his institution was very keen and well prepared to properly execute project plans as intended.
According to the University of Dar es Salaam Deputy HEET Coordinator, Dr. Liberato Haule, through this project, the University of Dar es Salaam is going to establish new campuses in Bukoba and Lindi in Kagera and Lindi regions respectively.
“There will be other education transformation activities which will involve construction of infrastructure (more than 11 new buildings) including state of the art ICT infrastructure and equipment, upgrading of learning resources and equipment at the Mwalimu Julius K. Nyerere Mlimani Campus and its Institute of Marine Sciences, in Zanzibar aiming at increasing enrollment capacity of female students in particular, in degree programmes in the fields of engineering, science, and technology”, said Dr. Haule.
He added that other HEET project areas at UDSM include improving quality and labour market relevance of programmes through upgrading of curricula and development of new curricula; introducing innovative pedagogical methodologies including strengthening gender and inclusive education; and promotion of research and innovation capacity.
“Also, in this 5-year project at the University of Dar es Salaam, there will be promotion of linkage with industry and practical learning through partnership with the private sector; promotion of digital skills; and improvement of decision making capacity”, explained Dr. Haule.