Tanzania is taking big steps to improve its higher education system using local digital solutions. The government, universities, and private companies are working together to make education better and more accessible.
This message was shared during a symposium held yesterday in Dar es Salaam. The event was organised by the Higher Education Students’ Loans Board (HESLB) and a South African technology company called Adapt IT.
The theme of the symposium was “Digitally Connecting Institutions: Driving Transformation in Higher Education in Tanzania through Technology and Cooperation.”
Speaking at the event, the Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Adolf Mkenda, said Tanzania must use technology that fits its own needs.
“We must stop using many systems that do the same thing,” he said. “Let’s create one system that works for everyone. One country, one goal, one system.”
He said universities and colleges should use local knowledge to build these systems. “We must embrace homegrown solutions that reflect our context,” Prof Mkenda added. “Let’s build and strengthen local innovations instead of relying entirely on foreign systems.”
The minister also said that digital systems should help track students from nursery school to university. “We want to know who is where, from early education to higher learning,” he said. “With one system, we can plan better and support our students more effectively.”
He added that the government is working to connect education data across all levels. “Integrated systems will help us know how students are doing, where they are, and if they drop out,” he said.
HESLB Managing Director Mr Bill Kiwia said technology has helped his institution improve student services. “We have changed from a paper-based office to a digital one,” he said. “This transformation helps us serve students faster and better.”
He added that digital solutions must be made to fit Tanzania’s education environment. “New models that match our needs will help us deliver better services,” he said.
Mr Kiwia also said the future of Tanzania depends on its youth. “Our nation’s future depends on the skills, knowledge, and potential of our young people,” he said.
Mr Thabo Mogaswa, the Head of Technology at Adapt IT, praised Tanzanian universities for their efforts. “We were impressed by the work being done at the University of Dar es Salaam,” he said. “What we saw was not just theory. These were real, practical solutions made by local teams.”
He said his company is ready to continue working with Tanzanian institutions. “We want to grow together through partnership and support,” he added.
The symposium brought together many people including vice-chancellors, government officials, and education leaders. They all agreed that digital systems must be connected and easy to use. This will help improve education services and give students better access to learning.
Source: Daily News