Government allocates Sh20bn for new University of Dodoma campus in Njombe

Njombe. The government has earmarked Sh20 billion for the construction of a new University of Dodoma (UDOM) campus in Njombe, with work set to begin soon, officials confirmed.

Speaking to reporters during a visit to the designated construction site, the Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Prof Adolf Mkenda, announced that the funds are already in place and preparations are underway for the campus to be operational by 2026.

“The money for the project has been set aside, and other logistical preparations are ongoing. By 2026, we expect to welcome the first cohort of students,” Prof Mkenda said.

The university, which will sit on a 112-acre plot of land donated by local residents, will initially accommodate 1,000 students once construction is complete.

The minister noted that the establishment of the UDOM campus in Njombe has been a long-standing request from the local community.

However, when the government allocated funds for the construction of universities in other regions, Njombe was not initially included.

“President Samia Suluhu Hassan was presented with this request by MPs from Njombe and the Regional Commissioner during her visit. The people of Njombe wanted a university in their region, and President Hassan has responded,” said Prof Mkenda.

He added that the President instructed the funds to be distributed to ensure Njombe gets its share for the establishment of the university.

In addition to the university, Prof Mkenda revealed that the government is planning to build 100 vocational schools across the country. The initiative is aimed at addressing youth unemployment by equipping young people with technical skills.

For Njombe, the vocational school will be built in the village of Magoda within Njombe town, and the land for the project has already been secured, Prof Mkenda said.

UDOM acting vice chancellor, Prof Razack Lokina, highlighted that the new campus will initially offer diploma and selected degree courses.

“The programmes we will offer include agriculture, forestry management, fisheries and ICT. These courses have been chosen to meet the needs of both the local and national economy,” Prof Lokina said.

He added that the tendering process for the construction has already begun, and a contractor is expected to be appointed within two months.

Njombe District Commissioner Ms Kissa Kassongwa, who represented Regional Commissioner Anthony Mtaka, expressed gratitude to President Hassan for the project.

"Our MP has been telling the people that the university is coming, and now they can see it happening. The work our President is doing here is a testament to her commitment to developing Njombe,” she said.

Njombe Town MP Deo Mwanyika also praised the initiative, saying the university will not only provide educational opportunities but also stimulate the local economy.

“As the university is built, we should prepare by developing housing and other infrastructure to support the influx of people who will come here,” said Mr Mwanyika.