Tanzania: Why Govt Sent Home 8,000 From Varsity
Tanzania: Why Govt Sent Home 8,000 From Varsity
President John Magufuli yesterday revealed the government blessed the suspension of 7,802 University of Dodoma students for vetting.President Magufuli said the students who were studying under a special education programme would be sieved and only those with requisite qualifications recalled to continue with their studies.
He said those who scored division I and II would be readmitted to the course while the rest would be asked to pursue training in other fields matching their academic credentials. It is believed that most of those who will be locked out are those with Division III and those with lower pass rates in science subjects.
It was the first time that the Head of State was publicly commenting on the University of Dodoma saga that early in the week lead to heated arguments in Parliament, forcing ejection of several MPs from the House by Deputy Speaker Tulia Ackson.
The President did not say who these bigwigs are but quoted the University of Dodoma Vice Chancellor, Prof Idris Kikula, as having confirmed to him that “some external forces” had interfered with the admission process into the programme.
“Politics is killing our education. Laws and regulations governing education are not being followed! I am now trying to restore order and urge university students to stay away from politics when in campus,” said President Magufuli in his now straight speaking manner.
The President spoke at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) during the laying of the foundation stone for a Chinese-sponsored library that would cost $41 million (Sh82 billion) and accommodate 2,600 people and 800,000 books.
The function was attended by Retired President Jakaya Kikwete, who is also the UDSM Chancellor. Incidentally, it was Mr Kikwete who approved the special training in Dodoma to help curtail the huge shortage of science teachers in public Secondary Schools.
