News

By Jackson Isdory, CMU

In a move to strengthen collaboration in areas of academic and research among higher learning institutions, the University of Dar es Salaam has hosted the Tanzania Military Academy (TMA) of the Tanzania Peoples’ Defence Forces for special benchmarking purposes.

The visit by TMA team, led by Major Constantine Shayo, Head of the Research and Development Unit, to the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) which was held on 18^th July 2024 aimed at strengthening TMA's teaching capabilities and curriculum development.

Speaking to UDSM management representatives, staff and officials present Major Shayo said TMA was responsible for training future military leaders and thus it sought UDSM's expertise in enhancing its educational programs. “TMA offers a Bachelor's degree in Military Sciences (BMS) and this visit is in line with our commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in military education”.

Apart from Major Shayo, the TMA team was comprised of other senior officials namely Major Richard Sensao, a tutor specialized in communication and information; Major Vasco Mwinuka, a tutor specialized in war science; and Lieutenant Jeremiah Magafu, TMA program registrar.

UDSM's expertise showcased

As the host, UDSM diverse team comprised of the multidisciplinary approach needed for a comprehensive military education and training. The team members included Principal of the College of Natural Science, Professor Flora Magige, who led the host group of experts, and represented the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic, Prof. Bonaventure Rutinwa.

UDSM team also included professionals from the Quality Assurance Unit, the Directorate of Postgraduate Studies, the Directorate of Undergraduate Studies, and the Institute of Development Studies. Others were from the Department of Psychology and Curriculum Development in the School of Education; Department of Political Science and Public Administration (specifically Strategic and Peace Studies) in the College of Social Science (CoSS); and History Department (specifically Diplomatic and Military History).

Prof. Magige reiterated UDSM's commitment to supporting national institutions and enhancing educational standards. She further said: “We are delighted to host this delegation and look forward to contributing to the enhancement of your training programs. UDSM is committed to providing the expertise required to meet international standards and accreditation requirements.”

Fruitful discussions and promising collaborations

The discussions between TMA and UDSM were highly productive, with both parties agreeing to collaborate further in teaching and research to address military and national needs. UDSM experts provided detailed and useful information on how degree programs are established, taught, the needed human resources and the general management of the university.

“This collaboration is expected to bring significant advancements in both institutions' educational and research capabilities as well as to enhance the quality of military training and education in Tanzania”, said Prof. Magige.

Major Constantine Shayo expressed his appreciation to the university of Dar es Salaam for providing useful insights with positive impact and promise for potential long-term benefits for TMA and the nation's security.

UDSM Director of Postgraduate Studies Prof Donatha Tibuhwa commended TMA and UDSM collaboration initiatives. “Education and defence working together can only mean better-prepared leaders of our country. This partnership also opens doors for more research opportunities in military science and the current international security issues and war tactics”.