Beyond Degrees: Minister Urges Universities to Produce Innovators as UDSM Showcases Opportunities in Pemba
By Donald Boneka, CMU
Higher learning institutions must move beyond producing graduates with academic qualifications and instead nurture innovators, entrepreneurs and problem-solvers capable of driving national development, the Minister for Education and Vocational Training of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, Hon. Dr. Lela Muhamed Mussa, has said.
Speaking at the 7th Higher Education Exhibition in Pemba, Zanzibar, the Minister urged universities to align their teaching, research and innovation with the rapidly changing demands of the labour market and society.
"Higher learning institutions should ask themselves whether the education they provide equips graduates to innovate, become self-employed or secure employment, while making meaningful contributions to society," she said.
Dr. Mussa described higher education exhibitions as an important bridge between universities and the public, noting that they provide prospective students and their families with reliable information on academic programmes, career opportunities and emerging innovations while encouraging informed choices about higher education.
She said the exhibition has grown steadily since its inception in 2020, with 62 higher learning institutions participating this year, reflecting the sector's growing commitment to expanding access to quality education and strengthening collaboration across the country.
The Minister further called on universities to strengthen graduate tracking systems, regularly review curricula to keep pace with labour market needs and technological advancement, expand innovation hubs and research laboratories, and forge stronger partnerships with industry and international institutions.
"Our universities must continue investing in research and innovation that responds directly to the needs of society while increasing the publication of research findings in internationally recognised journals to enhance the global competitiveness of Tanzanian higher education," she added.
The exhibition, held under the theme "Innovation and Knowledge are the Foundation of Development," has brought together higher learning institutions from Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, attracting hundreds of students, parents, teachers and education stakeholders.
UDSM’s academic programmes, cutting-edge research and innovations
Among the participating institutions was the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), which used the exhibition to showcase its academic programmes, cutting-edge research and innovations while providing prospective students with comprehensive guidance on admission procedures, programme selection and career pathways.
Throughout the exhibition, visitors to the UDSM pavilion interacted with academic and admissions experts who provided detailed information on undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, entry qualifications, online application procedures, scholarships and student support services.
The University's participation also highlighted its growing investment in research, innovation and community engagement, with visitors learning about UDSM's modern teaching and learning facilities, research opportunities, innovation ecosystems and international collaborations that prepare graduates to compete in a rapidly evolving global economy.
For many students and parents, the face-to-face engagement offered an opportunity to gain a clearer understanding of academic options and make informed decisions about future careers and higher education.
The exhibition also has enabled UDSM to strengthen partnerships with education stakeholders while promoting its role as Tanzania's leading university in knowledge creation, innovation and human capital development.
By participating in the exhibition, UDSM reaffirmed its commitment to widening access to quality higher education and ensuring that prospective students receive accurate and timely information about programmes designed to equip graduates with the knowledge, skills and innovative capacity needed to contribute to Tanzania's socio-economic transformation.