New VC at UDOM keen on resear

From LUDOVICK KAZOKA in Dodoma

UDOM Chancellor and retired President Benjamin Mkapa at past event

THE newly appointed University Vice-Chancellor of the University of Dodoma, Prof Egid Mubofu has pledged a conducive environment for more research at UDOM to enhance its status as a ‘centre of excellence’ that adds value to training.

Prof Mubofu made his promise at a joint ceremony for valediction and investiture here over the weekend, pointing out that research projects were vital for the growth of any higher learning institution in the world. “… I’m informed that our university performs very well in teaching, but it (also) faces some challenges in research,” said the new VC – who takes over from Prof Idris Kikula whose tenure ended on March 17.
Prof Mubofu also pledged to complete construction of two Colleges of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and Earth Sciences at the Main Campus, noting that President John Magufuli had already promised to disburse funds for the construction projects. “I was also briefed on lack of staff houses at campus … I will work with my colleagues to address this challenge,” he observed.
UDOM Chancellor and retired President Benjamin Mkapa expressed gratitude to outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Prof Kikula, noting that UDOM had made significant progress under his eleven-year administration.
He said that students enrollment at UDOM had increased from 1,272 at its inception in 2007 to the current 10,000 students, adding that the number of graduates had since risen from 2,240 in previous years to the current 5,575 graduates .
Mpwapwa District Commissioner (DC), Mr Jabir Shekimweri, who represented Dodoma Regional Commissioner (RC), Dr Binilith Mahenge, reiterated that UDOM had made tremendous contribution to the development of Dodoma through research. “… we’re currently carrying out sensitisation campaign to improve the academic performance in secondary schools after a recent study conducted by UDOM,” said Mr Shekimweri, who is also one of the varsity’s alumni.
He also noted that Dodoma would depend greatly on inputs from UDOM academicians in realisation of the country’s industrialisation. The president of the UDOM Convocation, Prof Leonard Mselle, said UniRank ranked the institution second among 26 universities in 2017/2018 academic year, saying UDOM was also ranked second best university after the University of Dar es Salaam.