Kusini Kwetu

By Vincent Mpepo

The Open University of Tanzania (OUT) will launch a Bachelor’s programme in Records and Archives Management starting from the 2025/2026 academic year after fulfilling the requirements set by the Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU).

Speaking during a stakeholders’ engagement workshop held today on the programme in Kinondoni- Dar es salaam, Assistant Lecturer Chausiku Mwinyimbegu said the programme is designed to provide training for individuals without prior academic backgrounds in records, archives, library and information studies who are interested in pursuing careers in the profession.

“The programme aims to offer excellent preparation for training professionals in records and archives management,” said Mwinyimbegu.

She said the programme will be delivered through the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode and the university expects to enroll students who are aspiring to build careers in the field.

Contributing to the discussion on behalf of her group, a lecturer from Dar es Salaam Tumaini University (DarTU), Dr. Getrude Ntulo, said the team had thoroughly reviewed the programme including its title, content, relevance, and compliance with the framework set by the Tanzania Commission for Universities.

She also noted that the programme aligns with the current Education and Training Policy and addresses the ministry’s emphasis on competence-based education during curriculum reviews and development of new programmes.

Dr. Ntulo commended the department for their efforts in developing the programme.

A senior lecturer from the University of Dar es Salaam Dr. Esther Ndenje, emphasized the need to rearrange certain topics to ensure a coherent and logical flow of teaching materials throughout the curriculum.

“Sometimes it’s easy to list sub-topics in a curriculum, but the real challenge comes during actual teaching,” noted Dr. Ndenje.

A Bachelor’s student in Records and Archives Management from the Tanzania Public Service College (TPSC), Martha Mohamed, stressed the importance of involving stakeholders in the development of new academic programmes.

She said an inclusive approach ensures diverse perspectives are considered and ultimately leading to a more comprehensive and effective curriculum.

“Involving stakeholders from the field helps universities and colleges design well-informed and relevant content in records and archives management,” said Martha.