PRESIDENT SAMIA SULUHU HASSAN LAYS FOUNDATION STONE FOR NEW CAMPUS AT MZUMBE UNIVERSITY

On 4 August 2024, the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Her Excellency Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, presided over a significant event that marked a new chapter in the educational landscape of the nation. The President presided over the laying of the foundation stone for the construction of Mzumbe University’s new campus in Maekani, Mzumbe, Morogoro. The ceremony represented the culmination of her visit to the Morogoro Region, thereby demonstrating the government’s dedication to promoting higher education and stimulating regional growth.

The establishment of the new campus at Mzumbe University represents a strategic initiative designed to expand educational opportunities and enhance the quality of higher education in Tanzania. Mzumbe University, which is renowned for its academic excellence and research contributions, will derive considerable benefit from this new infrastructure. It is anticipated that the campus will be able to accommodate a larger number of students, provide facilities that are at the cutting edge of technology, and create an environment that is conducive to learning and innovation.

In her address during the ceremony, President Samia Suluhu Hassan underscored the pivotal role of education as a foundation for national development. Furthermore, she emphasised the government’s commitment to investing in educational infrastructure, with the objective of ensuring that Tanzanian youth have access to quality education. The President’s objective is to equip the younger generation with the requisite knowledge and skills to facilitate socio-economic advancement at the national level.

The new campus at Maekani represents not merely a physical expansion; rather, it signifies a more expansive vision of educational inclusivity and excellence. The President’s initiative is aligned with the national agenda of improving educational standards and making higher education accessible to all regions of the country. It is anticipated that this relocation will serve to diminish the discrepancies in educational opportunities between urban and rural regions, thereby ensuring that students from a multiplicity of backgrounds are able to access equal chances to succeed.

The ceremony was attended by a number of distinguished guests, including government officials and representatives from Mzumbe University. The event provided an opportunity to acknowledge the advancements made in the realm of education and to reiterate the government’s dedication to investing in Tanzania’s future through the advancement of educational opportunities.

Expanding Educational Opportunities and Enhancing Quality

The establishment of the new campus at Mzumbe University represents a strategic initiative designed to expand educational opportunities and enhance the quality of higher education in Tanzania. Mzumbe University, which has a reputation for academic excellence and research contributions, will derive significant benefits from this new infrastructure.

It is anticipated that the campus will be able to accommodate a greater number of students, provide facilities that are at the cutting edge of technology, and create an environment that is conducive to learning and innovation.

Education as a Cornerstone for National Development

In her address during the ceremony, President Samia Suluhu Hassan underscored the pivotal role of education as a foundation for national development. Furthermore, she emphasised the government’s commitment to investing in educational infrastructure, with the objective of ensuring that Tanzanian youth have access to quality education.

The President’s objective is to equip the younger generation with the requisite knowledge and skills to facilitate socio-economic advancement at the national level.

A Vision of Educational Inclusivity and Excellence

The new campus at Maekani represents not merely a physical expansion; rather, it signifies a more expansive vision of educational inclusivity and excellence. The President’s initiative is aligned with the national agenda of improving educational standards and making higher education accessible to all regions of the country.

It is anticipated that this relocation will serve to diminish the discrepancies in educational standards between urban and rural regions, thereby facilitating the provision of equitable opportunities for students from a multiplicity of backgrounds.

Celebrating Progress and Commitment to Education

The ceremony was attended by a number of distinguished guests, including government officials and representatives from Mzumbe University. The event provided an opportunity to acknowledge the advancements made in the realm of education and to reiterate the government’s dedication to investing in Tanzania’s future through the advancement of educational opportunities.

Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony for Mzumbe University’s Main Campus in Morogoro

On 4 August 2024, a momentous event occurred in the Maekani area of Morogoro, marking a significant milestone in the educational landscape of Tanzania. The laying of the foundation stone for the construction of Mzumbe University’s Main Campus marked the beginning of a new era of academic excellence and infrastructural development. The ceremony was attended by a number of distinguished individuals, including the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Her Excellency Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, who was the official guest.

The President with her former teacher and classmate

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Distinguished Guests in Attendance

The ceremony saw the convergence of a number of distinguished guests, comprising government officials and stakeholders in the field of education. The attendance of these individuals served to highlight the significance of this project, not only for Mzumbe University but also for the wider educational framework of Tanzania. Among the notable attendees were:

1. Her Excellency Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan – President of the United Republic of Tanzania

2. Prof. John J. Ndunguru – Vice-Chancellor of Mzumbe University

3. Hon. Prof. Joyce Ndalichako – Minister for Education, Science, and Technology

4. Hon. Innocent Bashungwa – Minister for Regional Administration and Local Government

5. Regional Commissioner of Morogoro – Representing the local government

6. Members of Parliament – From various constituencies within the Morogoro Region

7. Local Community Leaders – Including traditional leaders and elders

8. Representatives from the Private Sector – Including potential investors and partners in the project

The President’s Address

In her keynote address, President Samia Suluhu Hassan articulated the government’s commitment to the enhancement of the quality of higher education in Tanzania. She emphasised the strategic importance of Mzumbe University in producing graduates with the requisite skills to contribute to the nation’s socio-economic development. Furthermore, the President reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing financial and technical assistance for infrastructure projects with the objective of enhancing educational facilities throughout the country.

“The laying of this foundation stone is not merely a symbolic gesture; it signifies our unwavering commitment to fostering a brighter future for our younger generation. “Education is the cornerstone of development, and through institutions like Mzumbe University, we are investing in the intellectual capital of our nation,” stated President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

Community Engagement and Support

The local community in Morogoro, particularly in the Maekani area, has expressed enthusiasm and support for the new campus. It is anticipated that the project will yield a multitude of advantages for the region, including the generation of employment opportunities, enhancements to infrastructure, and a boost to economic activity.

Community leaders expressed gratitude for the government’s endeavours and pledged their cooperation in ensuring the successful completion of the project.

Technical and Financial Aspects

The construction of the new campus is a multi-phase project, with the initial phase focusing on the development of essential facilities, including lecture halls, administrative buildings, libraries, and student accommodation. The project is financed through a combination of government allocations, private sector investments, and international donor support.

Professor John J. Ndunguru, the Vice-Chancellor of Mzumbe University, presented an overview of the project’s scope and timeline. He guaranteed the attendees that the university is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of quality and sustainability throughout the construction process. “Our objective is to construct a campus that not only meets the educational requirements of our students but also serves as a model of environmental sustainability and innovation,” Prof. Ndunguru stated.

Public Meeting in Ifakara

On the following day, 5 August 2024, President Samia Suluhu Hassan proceeded with her scheduled tour of the Morogoro Region, convening a public meeting at CCM Ifakara in the Kilombero District. A considerable number of citizens of Ifakara were in attendance, evincing their enthusiasm and support for the President’s visit.

Warm Reception by Ifakara Citizens

The atmosphere in Ifakara was palpably charged as residents assembled to extend a warm welcome to President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan. The public meeting constituted an opportunity for the President to engage directly with the citizens, to listen to their concerns, and to present the government’s plans for the region.

The President’s arrival was met with expressions of approval and acclamation, which reflected the high regard in which she is held by the local community.

Key Issues Addressed

During the meeting, President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan addressed a number of pivotal issues pertaining to the Kilombero District and the wider Morogoro Region. These included the following:

1. Infrastructure Development – The President drew attention to the ongoing and forthcoming initiatives designed to enhance the region’s road infrastructure, healthcare facilities and water supply systems.

2. Agricultural Support – In light of the pivotal role that agriculture plays in the local economy, President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan outlined a series of initiatives designed to bolster the capabilities of farmers. These included access to contemporary farming techniques, credit facilities, and market linkages.

3. Education and Youth Empowerment – In a continuation of the preceding day’s discourse, the President reaffirmed the government’s dedication to the expansion of educational prospects and the empowerment of the younger generation through the implementation of skills development initiatives.

4. Health Services – The President reassured the public of the government’s continued commitment to enhancing healthcare services, encompassing the establishment of additional health centres and the distribution of vital medical supplies.

Community Feedback and Interaction

Furthermore, the public meeting constituted an opportunity for members of the community to express their concerns and recommendations. A number of residents took the opportunity to address the President directly, raising issues such as land disputes, unemployment, and access to social services. President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan demonstrated attentive listening and reassurance to the citizens, indicating that their concerns would be addressed through collaborative efforts between the government and local authorities.

In conclusion, the events of the 4th and 5th of August, 2024, demonstrated the Tanzanian government’s dedication to the advancement of development through the promotion of education and community engagement. The laying of the foundation stone for Mzumbe University’s Main Campus in Morogoro and the subsequent public meeting in Ifakara demonstrated the significance of inclusive development and the active involvement of citizens in determining their own future.

As the construction of the new campus progresses, it is anticipated that it will serve as an exemplar of academic excellence and a catalyst for regional development. The enthusiastic reception of President Samia Suluhu Hassan in Ifakara served to demonstrate the strength of the bond between the government and the people, thereby reinforcing the shared vision of a prosperous and educated Tanzania.
The foundation stone laying ceremony and the public meeting in Ifakara were not isolated events; rather, they constituted part of a broader narrative of progress and development. They exemplified the Tanzanian government’s dedication to creating opportunities for its citizens and to building a brighter future for the nation.

Tanzania Media