AKU emberks on strategies to shape Tanzania’s education sector leadership

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania needs specialised leaders, managers, and quality assurance officers skilled to efficiently limited resources to deliver quality education as anticipated, it has been stated.

The reminder comes when the country’s education sector is undergoing a major transformation, marked by the rollout of a new curriculum, updates to the 2014 Education and Training Policy (Edition 2023), and significant amendments to education laws.

The collaboration between the Aga Khan University Institute for Educational Development, East Africa (AKU-IED, EA), and the Agency for the Development of Educational Management (ADEM) is a timely response to this need.

Together, these institutions are equipping Tanzanians with essential skills in education leadership, management, and quality assurance.

In 2024, a total of 998 graduates completed various education programmes at ADEM, including 47 from AKU-IED, EA. Among them was Asia Athuman, who earned a Diploma in Education Management and Administration (DEMA).

She spoke passionately about her training on December 12, 2024 shortly after her graduation.

“This programme has given me the tools to not only manage resources effectively but also support teachers and students. I’m ready to bring innovation into schools and ensure education standards improve,” she said.

Another graduate, Tegemea Tweve, who completed the Certificate in Leadership, Management, and Administration (CELMA) programme at ADEM, said her training focused on practical challenges.

“Our instructors emphasised real-world scenarios, helping us understand how to tackle issues like staff motivation and policy implementation. These skills are crucial as schools face increasing demands,” he explained.

Tanzania’s Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology has prioritised improving the school quality assurance department. Deputy Permanent Secretary Dr Charles Mahera emphasised that partnerships like the one between AKU-IED and ADEM are key to achieving this goal.

“By training more school quality assurance officers, we can ensure that schools meet the required standards. This partnership is vital as we address the current demands of our education sector,” he said.

Dean of AKU-IED, EA, Dr Jane Rarieya, highlighted the transformative potential of their collaboration with ADEM.

“Instructional and pedagogical leadership is at the heart of effective educational practice. Leaders must go beyond managing resources; they must champion teaching and learning,” she said in a speech delivered by Prof Fortidas Bakuza of AKU-IED, EA.

Dr Rarieya also stressed the importance of equity in leadership.

“Gender equity is not just about numbers but about creating an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered,” she said.

Prof Bakuza added that AKU-IED remains committed to providing advanced training opportunities for Tanzanians.

“We invite more Tanzanians to join our postgraduate programmes to further strengthen education leadership and management in the country,” he said.

Operating through campuses in Bagamoyo, Mwanza, and Mbeya, ADEM has been at the forefront of developing education managers and leaders.

The agency focuses on training, research, and consultancy to improve education management in Tanzania.

ADEM graduate Halima Said, who completed the Diploma in School Quality Assurance (DSQA), believes the training has prepared her to fill critical gaps.

“There is a real need for qualified quality assurance officers in our schools. My training has equipped me to evaluate and ensure schools meet the required standards,” she said.

Experts agree that improving education leadership and quality assurance is crucial to achieving Tanzania’s Vision 2025 goals. With limited resources, the country needs skilled professionals who can manage education systems efficiently while driving innovation.

“The collaboration between AKU-IED and ADEM comes at the perfect time,” said education consultant Dr Benjamin Msuya.

“This partnership not only strengthens the capacity of education managers but also ensures the reforms underway are effectively implemented,” he added.

As Tanzania continues its journey of educational reform, the need for specialised leaders and quality assurance officers cannot be overstated.