The Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) has reaffirmed its critical role in supporting Tanzania’s development agenda through the practical use of research findings to inform national policies and strategic plans.
Speaking during the university’s 46th graduation ceremony held at the Edward Moringe Sokoine Main Campus in Morogoro, SUA Council Chairperson Andrew Wilson Masawe said the university is implementing 36 new research projects valued at TZS 10.5 billion, focusing on addressing key challenges in agriculture, livestock, environment, and community development.
He said that 10 of the projects are funded by international partners, two by the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH), while 24 are financed through SUA’s internal resources.
“The research conducted at SUA continues to generate knowledge that supports evidence-based policymaking and accelerates the country’s social and economic transformation,” said Masawe.
He added that the University Council is closely monitoring the implementation of the 2021–2026 Strategic Plan, which has so far reached 85 percent completion, to ensure the institution remains efficient, innovative, and results-oriented.
Masawe also urged graduates to remain adaptable in an ever-changing world shaped by technological advancement and climate change, encouraging them to use their knowledge and creativity to become job creators rather than job seekers.
“The university continues to position itself as a center of excellence in higher learning, research, and community service,” he said, noting that in the past five months, the Council had strengthened internal systems to ensure accountability, financial discipline, and transparency in the management of resources.
He further said SUA has reinforced internal controls to enhance resource utilization, increase revenue collection, and meet audit standards in line with good governance principles.
Meanwhile, the Leader of the Academic Procession (MLAU), Prof. Kallunde Pius Sibuga, led the ceremonial parade carrying academic symbols a mace representing authority and a book symbolizing the long academic journey as graduates celebrated their milestone achievements.
In his remarks, SUA Vice Chancellor, Prof. Raphael Chibunda, said this year’s graduation involved 3,560 graduates from 85 academic programs, comprising 2,029 men and 1,531 women.
Of these, 3,275 were awarded bachelor’s degrees (1,861 men and 1,413 women), 127 master’s degrees (76 men and 51 women), 18 PhDs (12 men and 6 women), 100 diplomas, and 38 certificates.
Prof. Chibunda commended the graduates for their commitment and perseverance, expressing confidence that the knowledge and skills they acquired will contribute significantly to advancing Tanzania’s development goals and the broader vision of an industrialized economy.
“SUA remains committed to producing competent graduates and impactful research that directly contributes to policy development, food security, and sustainable livelihoods,” Prof. Chibunda emphasized.