Dar es Salaam. Vice President of Tanzania, Dr Philip Mpango, has called on higher education institutions in the country to continue investing in research, particularly in science and technology, in order to scale up the standards of research and promote innovation in teaching and learning.
He made these remarks during the 27th graduation ceremony of the University of Iringa, held at the university’s campus in Iringa Region on Friday, December 13, 2024.
Dr Mpango emphasized that universities must continue to prioritize investment in research as a means of driving technological advancements and improving educational outcomes in the country.
The Vice President further urged the private sector to support these efforts by collaborating with universities to fund research, provide scholarships for students across various fields, and offer opportunities for internships and practical training.
According to Dr Mpango, such partnerships are vital for fostering innovation and improving the quality of higher education in Tanzania.
He also highlighted the importance of integrating Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into higher education.
He stated that investing in ICT infrastructure will allow for online learning, which would significantly increase access to education and address the challenges of teacher shortages.
He explained that with online learning, a single teacher can reach a larger number of students at the same time, thus expanding educational opportunities for Tanzanians across the country.
The Vice President called for increased collaboration between Tanzanian universities and international stakeholders to teach specialized skills that are in short supply in the country.
He specifically mentioned fields such as neurosurgery, kidney and bone marrow transplants, robotic engineering, nuclear physics, artificial intelligence, and nanotechnology, urging universities to focus on providing education and training in these critical areas.
Additionally, Dr Mpango encouraged graduates to take advantage of emerging opportunities in various sectors, including agribusiness, fish farming, renewable energy, digital technologies, livestock fattening, beekeeping, and small-scale industries.
He advised graduates to leverage these opportunities to build their careers and generate income.
However, he cautioned them against seeking quick success without hard work and urged them to prioritize diligence, integrity, and professionalism.
The Vice President also commended the University of Iringa’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hub (Kiota Innovation Hub) for its efforts in providing training in innovation and entrepreneurship.
The hub, according to Dr Mpango, plays a crucial role in equipping students and entrepreneurs with the skills needed to succeed in the competitive world of business and innovation.
