UDSM Expands Academic Infrastructure with New HEET-Funded Buildings to Boost Teaching, Research and Digital Learning
By Donald Boneka, CMU
The University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) has strengthened its capacity to deliver quality higher education following the handover of newly completed academic buildings to the College of Information and Communication Technologies (CoICT) and the School of Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries Technology (SoAF) under the Higher Education for Economic Transformation (HEET) Project.
The new facilities, officially handed over by the Deputy Vice Chancellor - Planning, Finance and Administration, and HEET Coordinator at UDSM, Prof. Bernadeta Killian, represent another milestone in the University's investment in modern infrastructure aimed at expanding access to quality education, advancing research and innovation, and supporting digital transformation.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Prof. Killian said the new buildings reflect UDSM's commitment to creating a learning environment that meets the demands of a rapidly evolving higher education landscape.
"Investment in modern infrastructure is an investment in the future of our University. These facilities will strengthen teaching and learning, support research and innovation, improve service delivery, and provide a more conducive environment for our students, academic staff, and researchers”, she said.
She noted that as student enrolment continues to grow, investment in quality infrastructure remains essential to ensuring the University maintains high academic standards while responding to national development priorities.
Prof. Killian also urged the management of the two academic units to safeguard the new facilities through proper maintenance and effective utilisation.
"The construction phase has been completed, but the real responsibility begins now. Let us protect these facilities, maintain them well, and ensure they continue serving future generations. We must also put in place effective security measures to safeguard this important national investment”, she said.
The Deputy Coordinator of the University's HEET Project, Prof. Liberato Haule, said the completion of the buildings demonstrates the project's broader objective of transforming higher education through strategic investments that extend beyond physical infrastructure.
"HEET is not simply about constructing buildings. It is about creating an enabling environment for quality education by investing in modern facilities, digital technologies, equipment, and human resource capacity to strengthen teaching, learning, research, and innovation”, he said.
He explained that alongside the construction of new facilities, the project has supported the procurement of modern equipment, strengthened digital learning infrastructure, and enhanced the capacity of academic and technical staff to maximise the use of the new investments.
CoICT Set to Expand Digital Learning and Student Enrolment
Receiving the building on behalf of the College of Information and Communication Technologies, the College Principal, Prof. Baraka J. Maiseli, described the facility as a transformative investment that will significantly enhance the College's academic and operational capacity.
He said the College had for several years faced a shortage of office space for academic and administrative staff, a challenge that has now been addressed through the new development.
"The new building has provided the office space the College urgently needed. It also includes a modern multimedia studio for producing digital learning content, which will strengthen online teaching and improve students' access to high-quality educational resources”, said Prof. Maiseli.
He added that the expansion of lecture rooms will enable the College to enrol more students, helping meet the country's growing demand for skilled ICT professionals.
New Facility Strengthens Aquatic Sciences Education and Research
At the School of Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries Technology, the new building is expected to enhance teaching, research, innovation, and community engagement.
Receiving the facility on behalf of the School, Dr. Blandina Lugendo, Dean of SoAF, said the investment marks a significant milestone in the School's continued growth.
"This new building greatly strengthens our capacity to deliver quality academic programmes, expand research activities, and provide a better learning and working environment. It also creates new opportunities for practical training, innovation, and community outreach as we continue producing highly skilled professionals in aquatic sciences and fisheries technology”, she said.
The handover forms part of the ongoing implementation of the Higher Education for Economic Transformation (HEET) Project, a national initiative designed to strengthen higher education institutions through investments in academic infrastructure, digital transformation, research, innovation, and institutional capacity.
By expanding modern teaching and learning facilities across its colleges and schools, UDSM continues to reinforce its position as Tanzania's leading university, creating an environment that equips students and researchers with the knowledge, skills, and facilities needed to contribute to the country's socio-economic transformation.