The State and Quality of Education in Tanzania: A Reflection

Abstract

This paper contains reflections on the state and quality of education in Tanzania as the country marks the 50 th Anniversary of its national independence and the establishment of the University. The paper reflects candidly in an unorthodox manner to interrogate the serious issues affecting the quality of education in Tanzania for the betterment of the educational system. In the face of heated debates and the concerns of all and sundry over the quality of education, the paper argues that there is a growing awareness that formal education is key to having a competitive edge, promoting a national and institutional reputation, the effective marketing of institutional products and attracting resources, in addition to acting as a fulcrum for rapid national socio-economic and political development, and the production of top class leaders and professionals. On the whole, this soul-searching paper interrogates the question of Tanzania’s education quality with a view to suggesting the way forward.