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| The Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Education, Culture, and Sports, Hon. Husna Juma Sekiboko, addressed Committee members and the University of Dar es Salaam management after visiting the HEET Project on September 10, 2024. |
By Charles Mkoka
The Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Education, Culture, and Sports has commended the University of Dar es Salaam for its efforts in revising its curriculum to meet the demands of the job market.
This was revealed on September 10, 2024, during the Committee's visit to the university to assess the implementation of the Higher Education for Economic Transformation (HEET) Project. The visit highlighted the positive impact of these curriculum reviews in addressing unemployment issues in the country.
Chairperson of the Committee, Hon. Husna Sekiboko, emphasized the significance of these efforts, noting that unemployment has been a persistent issue among young graduates, despite their access to higher education. She explained that such evaluations are essential to ensure that the education provided aligns with the actual needs of the labor market.
"What has been done is commendable. We cannot remain confined to offering education without evaluating whether it addresses the challenges we face. Does a university graduate have the capability to solve the problems present in society?" Hon. Sekiboko remarked.
She further expressed satisfaction with the university’s research initiatives but stressed the need for practical outcomes that benefit society: "We are pleased to hear about the ongoing research, but we urge that these findings be implemented in a way that they can contribute to societal progress, rather than simply gathering dust on shelves."
On his part, the university's Deputy Vice Chancellor for Planning, Finance, and Administration, who also serves as the HEET Project Coordinator, Prof. Bernadeta Killian, revealed that the institution has already reviewed 60 undergraduate and postgraduate curricula, which are in the final stages of approval before being put into practice.
Prof. Killian also highlighted the progress of the HEET Project at the Institute of Marine Sciences, which includes the construction of two key buildings: a dormitory with a capacity for 40 students, and the completion of an administration and academic block.
The administration and academic block, she noted, will feature four classrooms capable of accommodating 216 students, a conference hall with a seating capacity for 150 people, staff offices, and five laboratories.
Moreover, Prof. Killian added that the construction of various buildings under the project commenced in February 2024, with an expected completion timeline of 18 months. The total cost for the project is estimated at Tsh. 11,194,677,531.
The Committee’s visit underlines the government’s commitment to transforming the higher education sector, ensuring that it plays a pivotal role in addressing national challenges, particularly the pressing issue of youth unemployment. The HEET Project is poised to be a cornerstone in fostering an education system that equips graduates with the necessary skills to contribute effectively to the country's economic transformation.
