by: Salim Abdullah Salim Slemy

Abstract

Tanzania is undergoing a curriculum transformation toward a competence-based education system, as directed by the Ministry of Education. Universities are expected to evolve into Productive value-driven institutions, aligning with Vision 2050 of the Revolutionary government of Zanzibar as part of the United Republic of Tanzania, aspire to transform into an innovation-driven economy, and COSTECH mission, which emphasizes fostering science, technology, and innovation for sustainable development. However, challenges like curriculum irrelevance, unemployment, lack of innovation, and limited industrial advancement persist.

This policy paper proposes the implementation of a value-based STEM Approach at the university level to empower students to address real-world challenges, develop prototypes, and commercialize solutions. The program will develop students’ competencies, foster innovation, and empower youth in entrepreneurial skills to enhance industrialization, transform universities into hubs of productivity and value addition, and achieve Tanzania’s sustainable development goals.