State Pledges Support to Universities

Morogoro — PRESIDENT Jakaya Kikwete has pledged continued support to universities owned by religious institutions and the private sector. The initiative would enable more Tanzanians access higher education.

"The government recognizes the contribution made by these varsities as they have played an important role in pushing forward the development agenda as far as education is concerned," Mr Kikwete noted.

The Head of State made the remarks on Thursday during official opening of a building to house the Faculty of Science at the Muslim University of Morogoro (MUM).

Mr Kikwete said the move by the government to extend loan facilities to students in both public and private universities was a testimony of how the State is determined to cooperate with varsities that are not owned by the government.

"When I assumed power in 2005 my government made two bold decisions including extending loans to students in private and public institutions. The loans were at that time offered only to public varsities.

We also resolved that each year we increase the amount of funds to be disbursed."The government will continue to invest in expanding opportunities for quality education.

Participation of other stakeholders in supporting this endeavour is equally important and highly welcome. We have put in place a friendly environment and benefits are evident," he said.

In underscoring the importance of varsities owned by religious institutions and the private sector, Mr Kikwete noted that of all 49 universities in the country, only 14 are owned by the government.

A total of 24 universities are owned by institutions and remaining 11 are property of the private sector.

As a result of extending loans to students from public and private varsities in the country, enrolment of students has been very high compared to any time in the history of the country to the extent of even being at par or surpassing our neighbours, according to Mr Kikwete."The main task ahead of us is improving the quality of education by recruiting more teachers and putting in place better teaching and learning environment as well as providing books and other services in our schools," Mr Kikwete said.

Efforts made by the government has increased a number of students enrolled in higher institutions of learning by more than three times from just 40,719 students in 2005 to 166,484 last year.

Likewise, enrollment in secondary schools in the year 2011 stood at 1.79 million well ahead of neighbouring Kenya at 1.77 million, Mr Kikwete noted.

In the same token, funds allocated for students in higher institutions of learning has increased from 56.1bn/- in 2005 benefiting 16,345 students to 345bn/- benefiting some 98,772 students during the financial year 2012/13."We will continue increasing funds for loans to enable more students to benefit.

Our target is to provide loans to all students regardless of the financial clout of parents or guardians," Mr Kikwete pledged.With increased revenue collections, the Head of State was optimistic that the target of extending loans to all students at varsity will be achieved in few years to come.

The Morogoro-based University was established in 2005 under the auspices of the Muslim Development Foundation (MDF).