UDSM, Amity Explore New Learning Pathways as Tanzanian Professionals Share Online Education Success Stories
By Sulea Suleiman Abbas, CMU
Flexible online learning is creating opportunities for working professionals to pursue higher education while balancing employment and family responsibilities, alumni of Amity University Online have told a student engagement and meet-and-greet event at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM).
The event, held on 24 October 2026, brought together representatives of UDSM’s College of Information and Communication Technologies (CoICT) and Centre for Virtual Learning (CVL), Amity University Online of India, current students, alumni and prospective learners to discuss digital education, emerging technologies and career development.
Four Tanzanian professionals shared their experiences of pursuing Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees online while continuing their careers.
Mr Bariki Yohannes Mogowa, a Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) Regional Officer who studied Accounting and Finance, said balancing work, family and academic commitments required discipline and effective time management. Access to learning materials and assessment reminders helped him organise his studies.
He emphasised that online learning enables professionals to advance their education while remaining employed, provided they plan carefully and remain committed.
Mr Samuel Ibrahim, who works in manufacturing and plantation operations at Browns Plantations Tanzania, said studying for an MBA in Production and Operations Management allowed him to gain further qualifications without leaving his workplace. He noted that the experience broadened his perspective and strengthened his confidence in engaging with different levels of organisational leadership.
The alumni panel, facilitated by Ms Plabita Saikia Singh, also featured Mr Christian Allen Masabaha of TRA and Mr Isaya Maganda of NMB Bank PLC. Their experiences highlighted the importance of commitment, time management and applying knowledge gained through study to professional responsibilities.
Three Initiatives to broaden learning Opportunities
Representing Amity University Online, Mr. Ashish Pratap Singh presented three initiatives being explored to widen access to higher education: a Bachelor’s Foundation Programme, specialised courses in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, and pathways towards international study.
The one-year Bachelor’s Foundation Programme, comprising two semesters, was presented as a potential progression route for eligible learners who do not meet direct-entry requirements for certain undergraduate degrees. Progression to programmes such as Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Commerce would depend on applicable admission requirements and recognition arrangements.
The proposed School of AI and Emerging Technologies would offer specialised certificate courses in areas including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital marketing, healthcare, education and business management. The initiative aims to help learners and professionals develop skills relevant to changing workplace demands.
The international pathways initiative would allow eligible learners to begin studying online and potentially progress to face-to-face study abroad, subject to admission decisions, credit-transfer arrangements and other requirements. Progression would not be automatic.
Mr Singh said collaboration with UDSM could help connect Tanzanian learners with wider educational opportunities while drawing on local academic expertise to respond to regional needs.
Participants also received video messages from Amity University Online Director of Academics Ms Monica Agarwal and Chairman Mr Ajit K. Chauhan. Their messages highlighted the importance of lifelong learning, alumni engagement and clear information about programme requirements and student support.
UDSM highlights quality and student Support
Representing the Vice Chancellor, Prof, William A. L. Anangisye, the Acting Director of Postgraduate Studies, Prof. Kessy Fidel Kilulya delivered the Vice Chancellor’s prepared address, which highlighted the potential of online learning to expand access for working professionals and learners who face geographical or other barriers to conventional higher education.
The address linked flexible education to UDSM’s Vision 2061 and Corporate Strategic Plan 2024–2033, particularly the emphasis on technology, inclusive development and programmes responsive to changing societal needs.
It also stressed that successful online education requires more than digital access, noting the importance of reliable communication, technical support, clear examination arrangements and timely academic guidance.
UDSM representatives further discussed admission challenges affecting some applicants seeking online degree programmes and encouraged prospective learners to confirm eligibility, qualification recognition and progression arrangements before enrolling.
The engagement provided a platform for UDSM and Amity University Online to exchange experiences and explore opportunities in digital learning, student support and programme delivery.
The initiatives presented could create additional opportunities for education and professional development, subject to clear programme arrangements, applicable approvals and effective student support. The alumni experiences reinforced the value of flexible learning while underscoring that success requires commitment, careful planning and the application of new knowledge in the workplace.