Tanzania’s Vice-President Dr Philip Mpango has called on the country’s academic institutions to align research efforts with national priorities, urging a shift from theoretical study to practical, problem-solving innovation that tackles Tanzania’s most urgent socio-economic challenges.
Speaking at the 20th anniversary celebration of Ruaha Catholic University (RUCU) in Iringa, Dr Mpango underscored the importance of applied research, particularly in the areas of traditional medicine, environmental conservation, production efficiency, and governance. His message was clear: research must move beyond academic walls to directly improve lives.
“We must prioritise research that provides real solutions to our people’s everyday problems,” he said. “From outdated technology to gender-based violence and environmental degradation, our challenges require homegrown, evidence-based interventions.”he added
A key component of Dr Mpango’s address was a call for regional commissioners and research institutions to establish botanical gardens dedicated to indigenous plants.
These gardens, he suggested, could provide opportunities for youth engagement in research, innovation, and the local manufacture of herbal medicines.
This initiative signals a broader national strategy to tap into Tanzania’s rich biodiversity and traditional knowledge as a foundation for developing affordable, culturally relevant healthcare solutions. It also presents an opportunity to foster youth-led entrepreneurship in science and health.
Dr Mpango challenged Tanzanian universities to become more active participants in shaping the country’s future.
He urged scholars to contribute to national debates such as the ongoing Presidential Tax Reform Commission and the formulation of the National Development Vision 2050, saying academic insight is essential for policy success.
He also raised concerns about the shortage of qualified lecturers and researchers, urging higher learning institutions to invest in nurturing the next generation of academics. To address this, the government has allocated TZS 254 billion in the 2024/2025 financial year to support over 81,000 undergraduate students through the Higher Education Students’ Loans Board (HESLB).
“A strong education system is the backbone of any nation’s development. But access must be matched with quality, relevance, and a clear connection to national needs,” said the Vice-President.
Dr Mpango also highlighted the importance of global academic partnerships, calling on Tanzanian universities to collaborate with international institutions to share expertise, build capacity, and improve academic standards.
Deputy Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Omary Kipanga, echoed these sentiments, pointing out that the sixth-phase government has improved infrastructure such as water, electricity, and roads to encourage private sector investment in education.
Meanwhile, RUCU Chancellor Romanus Mihali praised government support for the university’s Science Park, a facility that includes a new health centre and is aimed at promoting research and innovation in the medical and health sciences.
Dr Mpango’s remarks mark a significant push for a more responsive and engaged academic sector. By prioritising applied research and aligning university output with real-world challenges, Tanzania can accelerate its journey toward inclusive and sustainable development.
The message to academia is unambiguous: research must not exist in a vacuum. It must solve problems, shape policy, and serve the people.
Source Daily News