Chancellor Kikwete Commends UDSM Lindi Campus Progress, Urges Community Preparedness
By Jackson Isdory, CMU
The Chancellor of the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) and former President of the United Republic of Tanzania, His Excellency Dr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, has applauded the remarkable progress on the construction of the new UDSM Lindi campus and called on the local community to prepare for the opportunities that come with hosting a higher learning institution.
During a visit to the construction site in the Ngongo area of Lindi Region on 30 June 2025, Dr. Kikwete expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work, emphasizing that the new campus, home to the College of Agricultural Sciences and Food Technology (CoAF), is a significant milestone in expanding access to higher education in Tanzania.
“I am impressed with the progress and the commitment shown by the contractor. We expect the project to be completed on time and up to standard”, said Chancellor Kikwete.
He noted that the contractor had assured completion by September 2025, and praised the visible quality of the ongoing construction works.
Dr. Kikwete extended appreciation to the Lindi Regional Government, UDSM leadership, the contractor, and the communities of Ngongo and Lindi for their collaboration and sense of ownership over the initiative. He urged UDSM to begin preparations for the operational phase, including furnishing, laboratory equipment, and other infrastructure, to ensure a smooth start of academic activities.
He further encouraged the local community to proactively position themselves for the social and economic opportunities that will accompany the university’s arrival.
“Start preparing for offering of support services such ashostels, food and beverages, and sports and recreation. This campus will be a catalyst for local economic growth”, he advised.
Highlighting the broader vision behind the initiative, Dr. Kikwete underscored its role in expanding access to higher education and promoting inclusive socioeconomic development across the country.
The Chancellor also expressed deep gratitude to the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania under the leadership of Her Excellency Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, commending her unwavering commitment to transforming the higher education landscape.
“We are witnessing real transformation. Let us appreciate and protect what has been built”, he remarked.
Regional and institutional support
Dr. Kikwete was joined by regional leaders, including Lindi District Commissioner Hon. Victoria Mwanziva, who praised both the Chancellor and the UDSM for their contributions to national development.
“UDSM continues to shape the future of Tanzania by producing world-class professionals. We are eager to see this campus benefit the people of Lindi and the nation at large”, said Hon. Mwanziva.
Prof. Bernadeta Killian, Deputy Vice Chancellor -Planning, Finance, and Administration and Coordinator of the Higher Education for Economic Transformation (HEET) Project at UDSM, expressed appreciation to the Government, the Chancellor, and the Lindi community for their strong support.
“We are fully committed to ensuring that this Project, along with others under HEET, meets the highest standards and fulfills its mission,” Prof. Killian affirmed.
The Ngongo campus is part of a broader national initiative under the World Bank-funded HEET Project, aimed at improving the quality, relevance, inclusivity, and accessibility of higher education in Tanzania.
It represents UDSM’s continued contribution to national development and global competitiveness through strategic investments in teaching, research, and community engagement.