SUA to Launch 32 New Degrees Under the HEET Project

The Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) through the HEET Project is planning to introduce a total of 32 new degree programmes under which a team of 32 academics will be involved in the process of gathering feedback regarding the new curriculum for these courses. The team has convened with the aim of discussing and sharing insights about the content of the questionnaire that will be used to complete this exercise.

Speaking on August 10, 2023, Dr. Jamal Jumanne, the Chair of the Coordination Committee for Curriculum Improvement and Development at SUA through the HEET Project, stated that the University is expecting to establish 20 Postgraduate degrees and 12 Undergraduate degrees at the Main Campus of Edward Moringe, along with 3 Diploma programs at the Mizengo Pinda Campus in the Katavi Region.

“As we know, in this exercise, some curricula will be eliminated, some will be integrated, and some will receive a different branding. Additionally, there will be new curricula introduced. So, today’s exercise was specifically focused on the curricula that the University has approved for the establishment,” said Dr. Jamal.

Discussing the purpose of bringing together these academics, Dr. Jamal explained that it is to deliberate and provide an understanding of the questionnaire that will be used to collect crucial information. This information will be collected online through the e-dodoso Platform of the e-Government Authority (eGA) via the link: https://edodoso.gov.go.tz/index.php/217313?lang=en and https://edodoso.gov.go.tz/index.php/412342?lang=en

“The team present here will be conducting what we professionally refer to as a Market Survey. They will be seeking input from potential employers and potential applicants—those who plan to hire and those who intend to apply for our courses. They will provide their opinions regarding the knowledge and skills that should be incorporated and enhanced in these new programs,” stated Dr. Jamal.

Some of the academics who participated in the training, including Dr. Prisila Mkenda, a Lecturer from the Department of Biological Sciences, and Dr. Nichodamus Mwasakilali, a Lecturer from the Department of Linguistics, expressed that they have benefited from the exercise of being guided through the questionnaire used to gather this information.

“We have benefited from this exercise that has provided us an understanding of the questionnaire used to collect various information and the needs of these new degrees that we are introducing to the market. Now, to identify what our market is and what employers and prospective students are seeking, we have directed, discussed, and improved this questionnaire. Therefore, I believe the work will be fruitful,” said Dr. Mwasakilali.