TCU Strengthens Regulatory Capacity Through Workshop for Quality Assurance Officers

The Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU) convened a two-day capacity development workshop for its Quality Assurance Officers from 19th to 20th June 2025 at the APC Hotel and Conference Centre in Dar es Salaam. The workshop was officially inaugurated by the Chairperson of the Commission, Dr. Leonard Akwilapo, who underscored the importance of upholding ethics and integrity in the execution of regulatory functions.

The primary objective of the workshop was to strengthen the technical competencies of TCU’s Quality Assurance Officers by providing a structured and comprehensive platform for the examination of critical quality assurance functions. Key areas of focus included the interpretation and application of core regulatory instruments namely the Universities Act, Cap. 346, and the Universities Regulations, 2013; the implementation of accreditation standards and evaluation methodologies; oversight of student admissions processes; and the effective utilisation of higher education statistics to inform evidence-based policymaking and institutional performance monitoring.

Special emphasis was placed on deepening participants’ understanding of the Commission’s Five-Year Rolling Strategic Plan (FYRSP) and its operationalisation through Annual Action Plans. Furthermore, the workshop highlighted the essential role of professional ethics and integrity as foundational principles in delivering credible and accountable regulatory services.

By the conclusion of the workshop, participants had significantly enhanced their ability to interpret and apply higher education regulatory frameworks and quality assurance standards, support accreditation processes, and contribute effectively to institutional monitoring and quality improvement initiatives. They also acquired practical skills in analysing data on student enrolment, academic progression, and graduate outcomes, thus strengthening their capacity to support data-driven decision-making in quality assurance and policy interventions.

Moreover, the workshop reinforced the officers’ capacity to align their quality assurance responsibilities with the Commission’s strategic planning frameworks, uphold principles of transparency, fairness, and ethical conduct, and foster interdepartmental collaboration. These competencies are critical to advancing quality-centred initiatives that enhance institutional performance, ensure regulatory compliance, and sustain public confidence in Tanzania’s higher education system.