The government has invested more than Sh30 billion in infrastructure at Mkwawa University College of Education (MUCE), in a move expected to increase student enrolment and strengthen the training of science teachers.
Vice-President Deogratius Ndejembi laid the foundation stone for new buildings at the college, saying the investment formed part of broader efforts to expand access to higher education and improve the quality of training in line with Tanzania’s development needs.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Ndejembi said the government, in partnership with the World Bank, had invested more than $425 million, equivalent to about Sh1 trillion, in higher education through the Higher Education for Economic Transformation (HEET) project.
MUCE has received more than Sh30 billion under the programme, which seeks to improve learning facilities, expand institutional capacity and equip graduates with skills relevant to the economy.
The investment comes as demand for higher education grows, raising the need for universities and colleges to expand facilities and accommodate more students.
Mr Ndejembi said Iringa Region had received more than Sh175 billion since the 2021/22 financial year to improve education infrastructure at various levels.
He directed the college management to ensure that public funds were used transparently and that construction projects were completed on time and met the required quality standards.
“Every shilling invested in education must deliver direct benefits to Tanzanians,” he said, warning against the misuse of public funds.
Education, Science and Technology Minister Adolf Mkenda said the HEET project had supported infrastructure development at 20 higher learning institutions across the country.
The programme has funded the construction of 309 laboratories, 26 student hostels, libraries, cafeterias and 1,177 offices, as well as the renovation of 48 buildings, he said.
Prof Mkenda said the investments were intended to improve teaching and learning conditions while strengthening research, innovation and practical training.
The government has also expanded access to higher education through new campuses in regions including Manyara, Kagera, Lindi, Njombe, Katavi, Kigoma, Mwanza, Rukwa, Simiyu, Shinyanga, Tabora, Tanga, Singida, Mara and Ruvuma, as well as Zanzibar.
The expansion is intended to bring higher education closer to communities, reduce the distance and costs associated with pursuing university studies, and give more young people opportunities to acquire skills needed in the labour market.
University of Dar es Salaam Chancellor and former President Jakaya Kikwete said MUCE was implementing seven construction projects valued at more than Sh30.4 billion.
The projects include science facilities, a physics laboratory, multimedia and special education facilities, student hostels and a library.
Dr Kikwete said four buildings financed under the HEET project had been completed by September 30, 2026, representing 100 per cent completion of those facilities.
The additional infrastructure is expected to increase the college’s capacity to admit students and improve the quality of teacher training.
MUCE plays an important role in preparing teachers for science and other subjects. More laboratories, classrooms and student accommodation could help address infrastructure constraints while providing trainees with better opportunities for practical learning.
The expansion is particularly significant for science education, where access to well-equipped laboratories is essential for preparing teachers to deliver effective lessons in schools.
However, the long-term impact of the investment will depend not only on the completion of buildings but also on the availability of qualified academic staff, teaching equipment and adequate funding for maintenance.
Ensuring that the new facilities are fully equipped and effectively used will be critical to translating the infrastructure investment into better teacher preparation and improved learning outcomes.