Stakeholders: Tanzania’s Education budget inadequate to address curriculum needs

Despite an increase to Sh1.96 trillion from last year's Sh1.67 trillion, experts argue that the budget fails to reflect the reality of the educational reforms needed, thus voicing dissatisfaction with the budget.

"We did not see any difference because the issues of infrastructure are the same every year. We were not shown how the ministry will implement the new policies and curricula as planned because the approved amount cannot effectively achieve this," Dr Wilberforce Meena, an education expert from HakiElimu, told The Citizen on June 8, 2024.

The Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology is confronted with the monumental responsibility of implementing new educational policies and curricula.

Read: Tanzania’s priorities in education as budget rises to nearly Sh2 trillion

However, it appears that the budget predominantly prioritises infrastructure, an aspect that has traditionally received extensive focus year after year.

"All eyes and ears of Tanzanians are on the significant and essential changes the government is making in the education sector," Dr Meena emphasised.

"We expect to see the govt's intent on educational reforms reflected realistically in the main budget."

Dr Meena cautioned against the risk of implementation failure, citing past initiatives that stumbled due to insufficient funding.

He emphasised the importance of the government showcasing genuine commitment by prioritising areas that offer significant benefits.

This sentiment was echoed by retired teacher and education stakeholder, Mr John Jafari, who said the budget did not aim to bring about the changes that the government was talking about yet.

"Before the arrival of the new curricula, the budget was already small, and now the needs have increased but not to the same extent as the allocated budget. This is worrying," he said, adding, "Now the burden rests squarely on the shoulders of the Ministry of Finance."

Mr Jafari’s expectations align with Dr Meena’s, particularly regarding the need for the Treasury to outline how additional funds will be sourced to support the implementation of new policies and curricula.

"I expect to see the Treasury explain how the extra funds to support the implementation of new policies and curricula will be obtained. I do not expect Dr Nchemba to end with just this budget approved by the parliament for the Ministry of Education," he asserted.https://www.thecitizen.co.tz/tanzania/news/national/professors-in-parliament-query-education-quality-as-budget-passes-4617218

Read: Professors in Parliament query education quality as budget passes

Higher education, too, faces significant challenges that stakeholders hope will be addressed in the budget.

Moshi Rural Lawmaker (CCM) and education stakeholder Prof Patrick Ndakidemi highlighted the severe impact of lecturer shortages on the quality of education in Tanzanian universities.

"We want to see the government address this issue promptly to maintain positive momentum in the education sector. The shortage of lecturers has led to a significant decline in service delivery within universities, thus affecting quality," he stated.

Education consultant Dr Thomas Jabir underscored the dire conditions in public universities, citing overcrowded classrooms, insufficient laboratory facilities, and inadequate student-to-lecturer ratios.

"Students are overcrowded in classrooms, there are insufficient laboratory facilities, and there are inadequate student-to-lecturer ratios. These are pressing issues that need urgent attention. The government should not focus all its efforts on lower levels and forget about the universities," he remarked.

Read: New report pokes holes in TZ curricula, experts speak out

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Culture, and Sports, led by Ms Husna Sekiboko, also expressed concerns about the budget's adequacy during the ministry’s budget debate in parliament.

Despite the increase, the education budget remains only 14 percent of the total government budget, falling short of the international benchmark of 20 percent.

The committee highlighted issues such as a shortage of teachers, especially in science, mathematics, and practical training subjects, and was dissatisfied with the funds allocated for the implementation of the 2014 Education and Training Policy and the new curriculum.

A substantial portion of the ministry’s budget—60.33 percent of the development budget—goes to the Higher Education Students' Loans Board, leaving limited funds for other crucial areas.

This allocation pattern, stakeholders argue, hampers efforts to strengthen the country's educational infrastructure and systems necessary for producing well-educated Tanzanians.

HakiElimu’s executive director, Dr John Kalage, stressed the importance of financial investment for the successful implementation of the new curriculum.

"The successful start and effectiveness of the implementation of this new curriculum will heavily depend on how financial resources are allocated and utilised in the education sector," he said.

“As the nation waits for the Minister of Finance to present the budget estimates, we remain hopeful but cautious, wary that without substantial financial backing, the ambitious reforms may not come to fruition,” concluded Mr Jafari.