Deputy Minister for Health, Dr. Godwin Mollel, on May 25, 2025, raised TZS 382 million to support the construction of a new university in Kigoma, while representing the Vice President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Philip Isdor Mpango.
Dr. Mollel led the fundraising initiative during the official launch of a campaign to establish Heri University in Kigoma Region.
The planned institution is an expansion of the existing Heri College of Health and Allied Sciences, aimed at elevating it to full university status.
In his address at the event, Dr. Mollel emphasized that the university will be a catalyst for social and economic development in Kigoma, offering new opportunities for education and professional advancement in the region.
“This university will play a vital role in increasing the number of qualified healthcare professionals in Tanzania,” he said, noting that the initiative aligns with the government’s strategic vision to improve healthcare services and advance science education nationwide.
Dr. Mollel also called upon organizations and institutions across the country to support the initiative—not just for Kigoma, but as a national priority.
“This is not just Kigoma’s mission; it’s a national effort to ensure future generations inherit a strong foundation of quality education. Let us all become ambassadors of progress and stand united to safeguard this legacy of learning for the benefit of our communities,” he urged.
He further stated that the establishment of the university will bring higher education closer to the people, reducing the need for young Tanzanians to travel long distances in search of academic opportunities.
He described investment in education as one of the most powerful tools for fighting poverty, building professional skills, and improving public health through a well-trained workforce.
The proposed university is expected to serve not only residents of Kigoma but also students from neighboring regions and countries within the Great Lakes region, positioning Kigoma as a center of excellence in health and science education.