Malasusa launches Josiah Kibira varsity in Bukoba

BY GERALD KITABU - GURDIAN

25th January 2013

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Dr Alex Malasusa

Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania (ELCT) Archbishop Dr Alex Malasusa has urged Universities in the country to reform the education system in order to produce creative and competent graduates who would enhance the nation’s socio-economic development. Speaking during a special mass service of launching Josia Kibira University in Bukoba, Kagera region which is owned by the ELCT, Dr Malasusa said that it is nonsense to produce incompetent graduates with many certificates but cannot qualify in the fast changing technological and labour market.

“The education system should enable honesty, integrity and high standard of discipline among graduates, it should produce graduates who would be able to serve the nation at all costs with high level of integrity,” he said.

He added that the education system should enable graduates fight against all vices including corruption which denies justice to the poor and underprivileged.

Citing an example, he said some educated people are involved in illegal acts such as corruption and drinking illicit brew despite knowing that the acts are illegal and unethical.

He said that the Universities under ELCT would continue providing education to all Tanzanians with qualifications regardless of their religious beliefs, tribe or colour differences.

For his part, the Kagera regional commissioner, Fabian Massawe said that the launching of the University is a major relief to students and assured the government’s support to religious institutions so as to promote better education in the country.

“Religious institutions are key stakeholders of education as they have been in the front line in providing better education and other social services, the government will make sure that it continues to recognize and support their efforts,” he said.

ELCT’s Archbishop for North-West diocese, Elisa Buberwa said that the improvement of education system should begin from the grassroots level where the foundation for a competent graduate is built.

He said that the launching of the University is a collaborative effort between various stakeholders in Kagera region, urging parents and Tanzanians at large to value education.

In another development, the church has banned students in its universities from wearing short dresses in order to restore discipline and build integrity among students. The directive was given by the vice chancellor of Tumaini Makumira University which is under ELCT, Professor Joseph Pasalao when delivering a speech at the launching ceremony of the Josia Kibira University.

He also directed students to shun from boycotts saying such frequent strikes have contributed to deteriorating academic performance in many Universities.

For his part, the Bukoba Auxiliary Bishop for Roman Catholic, Methodius Kilaini advised Universities owned by ELCT and the Catholic church to collaborate by exchanging lecturers and tutors as a way of honouring the cooperation founded by the first African Bishop of ELCT Josiah Kibira and the first African Cardinal of Roman Catholic, Laurian Rugambwa who worked tirelessly to promote education among the poor and marginalised groups.