University of Dar es Salaam to establish new campus in Kagera Region

University of Dar es Salaam Vice Chancellor Prof William Anangisye (center left) and China Jiangxi Corporation representative Mr Zhao Yang (center right) hold the contract document after the signing. PHOTO | COURTESY

By  Josephine Christopher Josephine Christopher is a business reporter for The Citizen and Mwananchi newspapers. 

What you need to know:

• The new campus is part of the implementation of the Higher Education for Economic Transformation (HEET) project, supported by the World Bank, and is implemented across Tanzania

Dar es Salaam. The University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) has signed a Sh13 billion contract with China Jiangxi Corporation (CJC) for the construction of four buildings on its new campus in the Kagera Region.

The contract is part of the implementation of the Higher Education for Economic Transformation (HEET) project, supported by the World Bank, and is implemented across Tanzania.

UDSM Vice Chancellor, Prof William Anangisye, said the establishment of the Kagera Campus was a result of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s efforts to increase access to higher education among Tanzanians.

“This project is expected to bring about significant changes in teaching and learning. We extend our sincere thanks to the government for conceiving this idea and continuing to oversee its implementation,” he said during the signing ceremony held at the UDSM premises on May 17, 2024.

Prof Anangisye said the implementation of the HEET project focuses on enhancing and improving infrastructure, including major renovations and the construction of new buildings, as well as installing new equipment.

“In this context, the UDSM is expanding its reach to more Tanzanians by establishing new campuses in the regions of Lindi and Kagera. Mostly, the campuses will create professionals in the fields of agriculture and business,” he said.

“To align with the use of information and communication technology (ICT), the UDSM is poised to enhance ICT infrastructure to improve teaching and the provision of services, including security. The use of modern technology will be emphasised in the teaching and learning process,” he said.

During the event, the Education Ministry's Permanent Secretary, Prof Carolyn Nombo, said the contractor (CJC) should be aware that they have a legal and ethical obligation to ensure the project is completed through contractual agreements.

“We have emphasised that the allocated funds for this activity are substantial. The true value for money must be evident upon the handover of the buildings. This should also be reflected in the quality of the buildings and the timely completion of the project,” she said.

Through HEET, the UDSM has received $47.5 million for various education advancement activities that will rapidly transform the campus academically.

The UDSM deputy HEET coordinator, Dr Liberato Haule, says that through this project, several initiatives are to be implemented, including enhancing the quality and relevance of programmes.

“This will be done by upgrading existing curricula and creating new ones, adopting innovative teaching methods with a focus on gender equality and inclusive education, as well as fostering research and innovation capabilities,” he said.

Kagera Regional Commissioner, Ms Fatma Mwassa, said the campus will bring significant changes to the region, boost businesses, and increase exposure-stimulating interactions.

“The presence of a university in the region will catalyse development in the area, attract investment, foster innovation, and provide prosperity opportunities for local businesses,” she said.