Zanzibar President and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, has called on universities in Zanzibar to place stronger emphasis on practical and results-oriented research that directly responds to community needs and supports the country’s development agenda.
Speaking on December 13, 2025, while officiating as the Guest of Honour at the 25th graduation ceremony of Abdulrahman Al Sumait University in Chukwani, Mjini Magharibi Region, President Mwinyi said higher learning institutions must ensure their research outcomes reach the public and are translated into solutions for social and economic challenges.
He noted that although universities generate a substantial amount of research, much of it remains underutilized and poorly disseminated, limiting its impact on society.
Such a trend, he warned, weakens the relevance of universities and reduces their contribution to national development.
He emphasized that research should inform policy, improve service delivery and help communities overcome everyday challenges.
President Mwinyi reaffirmed the government’s recognition of the important role played by Abdulrahman Al Sumait University in training professionals in various disciplines and assured continued government support to enable the institution to deliver quality education and meaningful research.
He also commended the private sector for its growing contribution to the education sector and praised Direct Aid from Korea for its sustained support to the university and broader educational development in Zanzibar and Tanzania.
The President further applauded the university leadership for expanding its academic offerings, including the introduction of a Master’s Degree programme in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and short professional courses for public servants, describing the initiatives as timely and aligned with national priorities.
A total of 679 students graduated during the ceremony with certificates, diplomas, bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees, with women accounting for 64.5 percent of the graduates and men 35.5 percent.
Addressing the graduates, President Mwinyi urged them to uphold ethical values and discipline, become agents of positive change, and actively contribute to the development of their communities and the nation.
Earlier, the Chancellor of Abdulrahman Al Sumait University and former Sixth Phase President of Zanzibar, Amani Abeid Karume, underscored the importance of education as a foundation for human development and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to strengthening education and producing skilled human capital for national progress.