The Tanzanian government is engaging with global health and specialized polytechnic institutions to equip the newly established Dodoma Technical College with modern workshops. The goal is to make the institution a center of excellence in biomedical engineering. This development was announced by Minister for Education, Science, and Technology Prof. Adolf Mkenda during a meeting with Abbott Foundation's Senior Vice President of Global Marketing and External Affairs, Ms Melissa Brotz.
Prof Mkenda stated that Tanzania has made various reforms in its education sector to enable graduates to acquire the necessary skills for the contemporary world. He noted that the Abbott Foundation has supported Tanzania significantly in the health sector. The Minister invited Ms Brotz to visit the college to explore potential partnerships. The college, located at the Nala Campus, has not yet enrolled students, but the government is determined to ensure it starts operations smoothly.
Deputy Minister for Education, Science, and Technology Ms Wanu Hafidh Ameir emphasized that Tanzania is shifting its education policy focus from general knowledge to practical skills. The government is injecting more resources into the education sector to achieve this goal. She expressed optimism about the opportunities arising from the new education policy and the development of institutions like the Dodoma Technical College.
Ms Melissa Brotz praised the Tanzanian government's initiatives in the education sector, highlighting Abbott's two-decade partnership with the country to improve the health sector. She also commended the performance of primary schools in the recent National Examinations Council of Tanzania results, particularly an Abbott-funded school in the Tanga region where all pupils passed with Grade A.
Dr Aikande Kwayu, Director of the Samia Scholarship Extended Program, appreciated the initiatives aimed at transforming the education sector. She noted that the scholarships target high-performing students regardless of their school background or other criteria. The program focuses on data science, artificial intelligence, and related scientific fields.
Vice Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Culture, and Sports, Mr. Cornel Magembe, promised that parliament would ensure the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology's plans to boost education are well-funded. This will help the country close technical skill gaps and support institutions like the Dodoma Technical College.
The Dodoma Technical College is dedicated to providing quality skills development for students transitioning from secondary school skill streams and Vocational Training Centres. The college's focus on biomedical engineering aligns with the government's goal of producing skilled graduates. With the support of global partners like the Abbott Foundation, the institution aims to become a center of excellence in its field.
Key points
- The Tanzanian government is seeking global partnerships to equip the Dodoma Technical College with modern workshops and make it a center of excellence in biomedical engineering.
