Iringa. As Tanzania marks 26 years since the passing of the Father of the Nation, Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere — a passionate advocate for education — Mkwawa University College of Education (MUCE), a constituent college of the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), continues to successfully implement the Higher Education for Economic Transformation (HEET) Project worth over Sh18.6 billion.
Speaking to journalists in Iringa, MUCE Principal Prof Method Samwel Semiono said the project, implemented by the government through the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, aims to reform the higher education system so it can directly contribute to the country’s economic transformation.
“The five-year project (2021/2022–2025/2026) is funded by the World Bank and focuses on curriculum improvement, infrastructure development, human resource capacity building, inclusive education and gender equality, as well as promoting the use of ICT and digital learning,” explained Prof Semiono.
He noted that through the HEET project, MUCE has made remarkable progress, including reviewing five old programmes and introducing 30 new curricula in various disciplines such as science, technology, education, and innovation. The development, he said, is expected to increase student enrolment from 5,000 to 10,000, thereby widening access to higher education.
In terms of infrastructure, the college has received over Sh15.2 billion for the construction of four major buildings: a two-storey student hostel with a capacity of more than 152 students, a physics laboratory, a multimedia and special education building with facilities to support students with disabilities, and a modern science block.
“These new facilities will enable the college to admit more than 4,000 additional students, expanding opportunities for higher education among Tanzanians,” said Prof Semiono.
Mr Dickson Mwipopo, Managing Director of Dimetoclasa Realhope Ltd — the main contractor implementing the projects in partnership with Mponela Construction Company Ltd — commended the government for entrusting local firms with major national projects.
“We appreciate the government’s confidence in local contractors. This project has created numerous job opportunities for Iringa residents and boosted the local economy,” said Mwipopo.
Geofrey Ngelime, Manager of the Estates and Works Management Unit at MUCE, said the HEET project plays a significant role in achieving Tanzania’s Development Vision 2050, which aims to build a skilled and innovative human resource base capable of driving the nation’s economic growth.
“Through this project, MUCE is directly contributing to the production of graduates equipped with skills relevant to current technological and scientific changes,” said Ngelime.
On his part, Mussa Mgema, President of the MUCE Students’ Government (DARUSO-MUCE), said the improvements brought by the HEET project have greatly benefited students, particularly in addressing accommodation challenges.
“Many students were previously forced to rent off-campus housing, which was often unsafe. With the new hostels, students will now have safer and more convenient accommodation,” said Mgema.
Prof Semiono also took the opportunity to urge Tanzanians to turn out in large numbers and exercise their right to vote in the upcoming general election scheduled for October 29 this year, emphasising the importance of choosing leaders who prioritise development.
The HEET project reflects the government’s continued commitment to preserving and advancing Mwalimu Nyerere’s vision of ensuring access to quality education for all Tanzanians as a key driver of national development.
No comments:
Post a Comment