Vice President Lays Foundation Stone for TSh 30 Billion UDSM-MUCE Projects
By Special Correspondent, MUCE
The Vice President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Hon. Deogratius John Ndejembi, has laid the foundation stone for new buildings worth more than TSh 30 billion at Mkwawa University College of Education (MUCE), a constituent college of the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), in Iringa Region, in a major investment aimed at strengthening teacher education and expanding access to quality higher education.
The projects are being implemented under the Government development fund and the Higher Education for Economic Transformation (HEET) Project, through which the Government, in partnership with the World Bank, is investing in modern infrastructure to improve teaching, learning, research and innovation across Tanzania’s higher education institutions.
Speaking during the ceremony on October 18, 2026, Hon. Ndejembi said the Government had invested more than US$425 million in higher education through the HEET Project, with MUCE benefiting from an allocation exceeding TSh 30 billion.
He said the investment reflected the Government’s commitment to ensuring that the growing number of students completing primary and secondary education could access opportunities for further learning.
The Vice President directed MUCE’s management to ensure that all development funds were used transparently and accountably, and that construction projects were completed on time and met the required quality standards.
He cautioned against the misuse of public resources, emphasising that every shilling invested in education must deliver tangible benefits to Tanzanians.
Beyond the construction projects, the Government has also provided MUCE with a demonstration primary school to strengthen the practical preparation of student teachers. The facility will support teaching practice, enabling student teachers to apply theoretical knowledge in classroom settings and develop the professional competencies needed in schools.
The additional infrastructure and teaching practice facilities are expected to strengthen MUCE’s capacity to prepare qualified teachers, particularly in science and other disciplines critical to Tanzania’s education system and national development.
**Seven projects to improve teaching and learning**
Presenting a progress report on MUCE, the Chancellor of the University of Dar es Salaam and former President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Hon. Dr Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, said the College was implementing seven construction projects valued at more than TSh 30.4 billion.
The projects include the science building, a physics laboratory, facilities for multimedia and special needs education, student hostels and a library. As of September 30, 2026, four buildings funded through the HEET Project had been completed, representing 100 per cent completion.
The new facilities are expected to expand the College’s capacity to enrol students while improving practical training, research and the overall learning environment. Modern laboratories will provide opportunities for hands-on learning, while additional accommodation and library facilities will support students’ academic needs.
As one of Tanzania’s key institutions for preparing teachers, MUCE plays an important role in supplying qualified educators to schools across the country. The investment is therefore expected to contribute not only to the College’s growth but also to strengthening the quality of teaching in the wider education system.
The provision of a demonstration school further complements this investment by connecting university-based teacher education with practical classroom experience, helping student teachers develop the skills needed to respond to the demands of the teaching profession.
HEET transforms higher education infrastructure
Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Adolf Mkenda, commended the Government for its investment in higher education, noting that 20 institutions had benefited from the HEET Project.
Across the participating institutions, the project has supported the construction of 309 laboratories, 26 hostels, libraries, cafeterias and 1,177 offices, as well as the renovation of 48 buildings. These investments are intended to improve facilities for teaching, learning, research and innovation.
Prof. Mkenda also highlighted the expansion of higher education through new campuses in various regions, including Manyara, Kagera, Lindi, Njombe, Katavi, Kigoma, Mwanza, Rukwa, Simiyu, Shinyanga, Tabora, Tanga, Singida, Mara and Ruvuma, as well as Zanzibar.
He said expanding higher education facilities across the country would bring learning opportunities closer to communities, reduce the distance and costs associated with university education, and enable more young people to acquire skills relevant to national development.
For UDSM, the foundation-stone ceremony at MUCE marks another step in strengthening its constituent college’s infrastructure and capacity to train future teachers. Together with the provision of a demonstration school, the investment reinforces the College’s role in preparing competent educators and supporting Tanzania’s long-term educational and development priorities.