DIT graduates urged to be innovative

SUNDAY NEWS Reporter

FRESH graduates in the country have been encouraged to choose to work for themselves rather than becoming employees, as each year they have to face a fierce battle to compete for the limited job opportunities.

This was said by the Minister for Education, Science, Technology and Vocational Training, Professor Joyce Ndalichako, during the ninth graduation ceremony at the Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology (DIT).
The Minister who was represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Ms Maimuna Tarishi, said it was the responsibility of each graduate to use education and vocational skills they have gained from their studies to employ themselves and later on employ others. “I understand there are a lot of challenges when considering self employment but the most important thing is having a daring spirit,” she said.
She further said each graduate should have a plan to employ themselves and being ready to face challenges ahead, adding that each should understand that community members have greater expectations from them.
The Minister urged the institute to put more efforts in engineering and information communication technology courses for development and speedy nation’s economic growth. More than 705 graduates have been conferred Masters Degree, Bachelor Degree and Diploma.
The Institute for the first time had Master graduates this year. DIT Principal, Prof John Kondoro, said graduates should be reminded that after graduation their achievements will be measured by their efficiency to fulfil their responsibility with diligency, innovation and self discipline.
“I advise them to use knowledge acquired to achieve development and bring changes to the local and international community,” he said.
According to the Principal, in 2015/2016 academic year the institute has enrolled a total of 1,386 which is an increase of 22 per cent comparing to last academic year. DIT council Chairperson, Professor Fredrick Mwanuzi, said for the government to revive industries, the country needs human resource especially in the engineering area.
He added that the country has a shortage of professionals in that field. “For the country to fulfil its vision we request the government to give priority to vocational training colleges to get more experts to work in those industries and even establish their own,” he commented.
Prof Mwanuzi further said the government should also support the institute to have better and sufficient infrastructure to enrol more students in those professions, as the country still have a shortage.
He further said DIT has been able to increase enrolment of women students from 150 in 1999/00 to 440 in 2014/15 academic year