"Universities should conduct research and work with stakeholders to come up with modern curriculum that grooms graduates to facilitate industrialised nation, and as well competently compete in the job market", it was said.
Making the revelation at the 16th Tanzania Commission of Universities (TCU) Exhibition on Higher Education Science and Technology in Dar es Salaam, Tuesday, Zanzibar Chief Secretary Zena Ahmed Said gracing the occasion further said: "Due to their academic ability and work experience, lecturers at such universities should conduct regular research to determine what is needed in the labor market and then improve the training curriculum to produce professionals who will shape work efficiency in the field. The Government has a good system in place to strengthen education from Primary, Secondary and Tertiary education where under that system education infrastructure has been constantly improved from the construction of modern laboratories, dormitories and rehabilitation of universities themselves."
"But, what I see is that there is still a need to continue strengthening university-level education curricula to ensure that what is being taught has a market in the workplace, it is also going to provide feedback to employers in the sense of getting skilled people, who are going to do what is required. Equally, I extol the presence on Mount Kenya University that has come all the way from Kenya and seen the essence of teaming with us to promote grooming professionals, who are needed in different fields... This also cements bilateral relations between us," she said.
However, she urged lecturers in the higher learning institutions to create a culture of measuring the results of their research to ensure that they provide answers against the various challenges in the workplaces.
In response, Mount Kenya University Director of Communication, Boniface Murigi said their doors are opened to welcome many Tanzanians to study in their institution, adding: "There are more than 300 Tanzania students doing well in their studies in our instition, especially in Medicine that was ranked Number 1 among Medical Schools in East Africa." On his part, TCU Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Charles Mgone said they will keep on running the exhibition as a forum for the universities to showcase their talents and contribute towards the industrial development the nation wants.
Equally, he promised to strategize and design any new curriculum that would be researched and advised by the government and stakeholders in attempts to produce capable graduates with a vision to address challenges in the field. He further said: "I would urge students to come to the exhibition and get information as well as pieces of advice from lecturers and admission officers of the colleges they want to go to study. In this exhibition, students will receive information on college loans, qualifications, study courses, which colleges teach what and where they are available as well as know the opportunities available in the field they want to study.
"The exhibition coordinated by Tanzania Colleges and organized by TCU was attended by 75 local universities including the University of Dar es Salaam, Mwenge University, and College of Business among others."