The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Dr Francis Michael, has called on the higher learning institutions to strengthen their management systems to operate as per international standards.
Dr Michael made this appeal while addressing the Association of Vice Chancellors and Private Universities (TAPU) in Dodoma, Tanzania.
He explained that one of the factors that cause most universities to fail in acquiring recognition from the world community is their failure to compare themselves to those with international standards so that they can make improvements.
Dr Michael stressed that without positive changes universities and colleges cannot be recognized worldwide.
To achieve international recognition, he pointed out that universities are advised to make arrangements for the exchange of experts in areas with needs and shortages.
Also, he advised higher learning institutions to initiate programs that will attract foreign students to study in the country as well as design and implement students’ exchange programs.
Moreover, he called for universities and colleges to invest heavily in academic research that can bring impact the world.
“Strengthening relationship with universities abroad has a great benefit of promoting local institutions internationally, placing them a better chance to climb to high positions in the ‘World University Ranking, ” he added.
However, the Permanent Secretary nodded to the increased number of private universities, saying they largely contribute to offering opportunities to students to earn knowledge and skills for employability and creating their own jobs.
He noted that since 1995 number of universities has significantly increased whereby currently there are 18 private universities and 10 constituent colleges which back up the government’s efforts to improve higher education.
“Apart from offering education, these universities and colleges have been creating employment, the government will continue according to cooperation with you so that you could fulfil your responsibilities in producing graduates to serve the country,” he concluded.
