The MUST Vice-Chancellor Prof. Aloys Mvuma (centre), Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic Research and Consultancy  Prof. Godliving Mtui (left), Deputy Vice-Chancellor Planning Finance and Administration, Dr John P. John and Dr. Nsubili Isaga (centre second line) the training facilitator in a group photo after the opening of the training on 26^th April 2022.

The MUST Vice Chancellor officiates the China Funds-in-Trust Phase III Project Training at MUST

Mbeya University of Science and Technology is implementing a three years UNESCO coordinated project, the China Funds-in-Trust CFIT) Phase III Project: Higher Technical Education in Africa for a Technical and Innovative Workforce. On 26^th April 2022 the MUST Vice-Chancellor, Prof Aloys Mvuma officiated the 5 days of training for the project implementers. During his opening speech, Prof. Mvuma informed the participants that their attendance and their subsequent contributions to the development of guidelines, curriculum and review attempts to respond to the skills mismatch that exists among the graduates and those required in the industry. He further commented on the full participation of MUST staff will mark the beginning of a new chapter of programmes that position MUST at another level where relevant programmes are offered, strong linkages between MUST and industries exist, involvement of the private sector in developing and reviewing curricula is observed, and adequate market survey that identifies skills mismatch between graduates and industry requirements are identified and incorporated in the programmes.

As an invitation remark to the VC, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Academic Research and Consultancy, Prof Godliving Mtui commented on the project’s activities which include training on the development of curriculum guidelines, curriculum development and review as well as a market survey. On the other hand, the Project Coordinator, Prof Zacharia Katambara informed the participants that the training is part of the project to build the capacity of the academic staff in various programmes offering issues that are relevant to the labour market needs.

The training facilitator, Dr Nsubili Isaga, a former Quality Assurance Director of Mzumbe University insisted on the participatory mode of training.  The first-day session was on the development of guidelines for curriculum development and was participated by 15 staff. The rest of the days were on the curriculum development process and the market survey which was participated by 100 staff of which 30 % were female.

On the other hand, Ms Everlyn Swai, a participant, appreciated the training and commended the facilitation that has made her feel competent in curriculum development. In addition, Dr Mwajuma Lingwanda appreciated the training that has made some of her tasks easier as the Principal of the College of Architecture and Construction Technology with regard to the process of curriculum development.  

The University appreciates the support that has been received through UNESCO and will ensure that all project components are implemented in a manner that is higher than what is expected. It is anticipated that upon the completion of the project, MUST’s motto, “Endeavouring to Lead in Science Technology and Management,” will be pronounced.