Morogoro, Tanzania — Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) conducted a retooling workshop on Building Capacity for Transformative Pedagogical Skills in Competence-Based Education (CBE) on 20th October 2025 at Morena Hotel, Morogoro. The event aimed to strengthen the capacity of academic staff in designing and delivering competence-based curricula that promote learner-centred and innovative teaching approaches.
The workshop brought together over 100 participants, including Principals, Deans, Heads of Departments, academic staff, assistants to academicians, and representatives from national and regional education bodies. It was facilitated by five experts from the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) and officiated by Dr. Telemu Kasille, representing Prof. Charles Kihampa, the Executive Secretary of the Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU).
Advancing competence-based learning and innovation
Speaking on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Raphael Chibunda, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic, Research and Consultancy), Prof. Maulid Mwatawala, described the workshop as a milestone in enhancing the quality and relevance of higher education. He emphasised the importance of transformative pedagogy that nurtures graduates capable of critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation to drive sustainable development.
Prof. Mwatawala further noted that the retooling exercise provided an opportunity for academic staff to reflect on current teaching practices, strengthen capacity in curriculum delivery, and share innovative approaches that align with competence-based education standards.
SUA academic staff and facilitators from RUFORUM participate in discussions on competence-based curriculum design.
Strengthening collaboration for quality education
In his officiating remarks, Dr. Telemu Kasille commended SUA for setting a commendable example through its ongoing curriculum review and development processes. He noted that TCU fully supports Tanzania’s transition toward transformative and competence-based education, in alignment with the Tanzania Development Vision 2050, the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and the Sustainable Development Goal 4 on inclusive and quality education.
Prof. Amandus Muhairwa, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Planning, Finance and Administration), acknowledged TCU’s continued guidance and reaffirmed SUA’s commitment to integrating lessons from the workshop into faculty development programmes, quality assurance frameworks, and performance systems to strengthen institutional impact.
SUA management and TCU representatives reaffirm commitment to advancing transformative pedagogy in higher education.
Fostering institutional transformation through TAGDev 2.0
The workshop formed part of SUA’s broader engagement in continental higher education transformation under the Transforming African Agricultural Universities to Meaningfully Contribute to Africa’s Growth and Development (TAGDev 2.0) Programme. The initiative is supported by the Mastercard Foundation and coordinated by RUFORUM, bringing together partner universities across Africa to advance practical learning and innovation.
Through TAGDev 2.0, SUA implements the Agrifood Systems and Entrepreneurship Development in Rice and Horticulture Value Chains in Tanzania (AGRIFOSE-RIH) project — one of twelve Agrifood Systems Community Action Research and Entrepreneurship (ASEC) projects in 10 African countries. The project strengthens innovation, entrepreneurship, and value-chain development in rice and horticulture as key drivers of rural transformation, job creation, and youth empowerment in Tanzania.
Continuing commitment to educational excellence.
The retooling workshop reaffirmed SUA’s leadership in promoting modern, competence-based education and building a generation of skilled, innovative, and socially responsible graduates. Through strategic partnerships and ongoing academic transformation, SUA continues to contribute to national and continental education priorities, ensuring that higher learning responds effectively to contemporary challenges and opportunities.