ACT Wazalendo’s presidential candidate for Zanzibar, Othman Masoud Othman, has pledged to honour the vision and legacy of the late Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad by establishing a modern university in Wete, North Pemba, that will bear the late leader’s name.
The proposed Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad University will serve as a centre of excellence for knowledge, patriotism, and sustainable development, according to Othman.
Speaking before thousands of supporters at Jadida School grounds, Othman said the university will be a permanent symbol of respect for the late Maalim Seif’s immense contribution to Zanzibar’s politics, education, and social development.
“Maalim Seif was a torch of wisdom, a model of integrity, and a pillar of our unity,” said Othman.
“We must honour him not only in words but through actions that bring hope and development. This university will be our gift of respect to him and a legacy for future generations of Zanzibaris.”he added
He said the university will be built with modern facilities and include faculties of education, technology, leadership, and social sciences — all aimed at giving young Zanzibaris access to quality education within their own country.
Othman added that an ACT Wazalendo-led government will make education the backbone of development by strengthening school infrastructure, providing affordable student loans, and expanding job opportunities for teachers and education experts.
“This generation doesn’t need empty promises; it needs opportunities,” he emphasized. “Education is the weapon to fight poverty and dependence. That’s why building this university is my heartfelt promise to the people of Zanzibar.”he added
The crowd in Wete welcomed his remarks with cheers and applause, expressing optimism that the project would open a new chapter for education and youth empowerment in the Isles.
Zainab Ali, a resident of Wete, said Othman’s proposal reflects the true spirit of Maalim Seif.“Maalim valued education, and now we see his dream being carried forward. This is a blessing for our youth,” she said.
Elder Khamis Abdalla added that Othman represents the continuation of Maalim Seif’s values of justice, fairness, and education.
“If given the chance, Zanzibar will reclaim its respect as a hub of knowledge and progress,” he noted.
A group of enthusiastic youth from Jadida pledged to campaign for Othman with the slogan “Education is Liberation, Othman is Hope!”
According to ACT Wazalendo’s initial plan, construction of the Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad University will begin immediately after the election. The first phase will include administrative offices, a modern library, and faculties of education, business, and information technology.
The university will target international standards, opening its doors to students from across East Africa and beyond. It will also establish academic exchange programmes with global institutions to promote innovation and research.
Party leaders say the university is part of ACT Wazalendo’s Vision for a New Zanzibar, which focuses on creating a knowledge-based economy driven by education, technology, and youth empowerment.
The institution is expected to enroll more than 5,000 students within its first five years, using modern digital learning systems to produce graduates who can compete in the regional and global job markets.
For many residents, Othman’s pledge is a breath of fresh air in Zanzibar’s political landscape. Salum Abdalla, a youth from Wingwi, said the plan gives hope to young people who miss higher education opportunities on the mainland or abroad.
“This is a realistic vision that focuses on people, not politics,” he said. “Education will change our lives.”he added
Analysts say Othman’s proposal reflects ACT Wazalendo’s long-standing commitment to investing in people rather than just infrastructure, describing the plan as a strategic move that could transform Zanzibar’s education sector.
If implemented, the Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad University is expected to become one of the major flagship projects of an ACT Wazalendo government a lasting monument to education, justice, and equality for all Zanzibaris.