Universities prioritize quantity over quality – Dr. Mwaffisi
Dr. Samwilu Mwaffisi, Lead Researcher – State of the Media in Tanzania 2022-2023
By Tumbi Kiganja
Dar es Salaam: The State of the Media in Tanzania 2022-2023 Report, (SMR) Lead Researcher Dr. Samwilu Mwaffisi has indicated that journalism institutions prioritize the quantity of students over the quality of education.
Dr. Mwaffisi who is also the lecturer at Tumaini University, said this on July 04, 2024 during the launch of the book, tittled State of the Media Report in Tanzania 2022-2023 which was launched in Dar es Salaam, by the former Prime Minister and First Vice President, Judge Joseph Sinde Warioba.
He said as a result, graduates often leave with high grades but inadequate practical skills for the industry, highlighting significant challenges in journalism education and media freedom.
The report brought to light several issues, prominently highlighting the concerns of media stakeholders regarding the quality of graduates from current journalism institutions.
He noted that the end products of these institutions are often underprepared and struggle to succeed in the job market.
“Editors, for instance, reported that many young journalists lack fundamental skills, such as writing an introductory paragraph for a story, forcing editors to take on an instructional role to teach them how to write a lead paragraph,”. He said.
Dr. Mwaffisi suggested that it is time for the Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU), MCT, media owners, journalism institutions, and the National Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (NACTVET) to collaborate in order to rescue the situation.
He also said that universities should review whether it is appropriate to enroll graduates with high academic scores for teaching positions without considering their industry experience.
Dr. Mwaffisi also pointed out a lack of genuine interest among some students who pursue journalism.
“Many students enroll in journalism programs not out of a passion for the field but due to external pressures or the desire for fame on television and radio,” he added.
Speaking during the launch, the MCT Executive Secretary Ernest Sungura reaffirmed the Council’s commitment as a non-statutory self-regulatory body dedicated to promoting media freedom and maintaining high professional standards and accountability.
Sungura highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by the media in Tanzania, such as restrictive laws that impede freedom of expression, citing specific provisions of the Media Services Act 2016 as an example.
The launch was attended by a wide array of media stakeholders, including editors, journalists, and lecturers from journalism institutions, human rights activists, and advocates for freedom of expression.