The Institute of Rural Development Planning (IRDP) has signed a significant contract with D.F Ministry & CO (1974) Limited to construct an eco-friendly academic block at its main campus in Miyuji, Dodoma. The new structure, which is expected to cost 6bn/-, will accommodate over 1,700 students once completed.

Funding for this project is provided by the Higher Education for Economic Transformation (HEET) Project, a five-year initiative under the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, implemented with support from the World Bank. 

The project's goal is to improve Tanzania’s higher education sector by enhancing infrastructure and learning environments.

Speaking during the contract signing ceremony, IRDP Rector Prof. Hozen Mayaya emphasized that the new state-of-the-art building would enhance the digitalization of the teaching and learning process at the institute. 

The three-story academic block will feature several key departments aimed at improving the institution’s educational quality.

Prof. Mayaya detailed that the ground floor would house two conference halls capable of seating 602 students, along with five ICT offices for staff. 

The first floor will include two studio rooms for 702 students and 22 pit latrines, while the second floor will contain one large studio room for 399 students and an ICT lab for 88 students. 

The third floor will provide 19 offices for 78 faculty members, along with cafeterias and restrooms.

"The project aims to enhance the institute’s training capabilities by expanding teaching facilities and increasing the student capacity at our academic blocks," said Prof. Mayaya.

The rector also revealed plans for a new hostel at the campus, which will accommodate 400 students. This will be in addition to the current capacity of 644 students, which falls short of the 949 students enrolled.

Prof. Mayaya praised the Tanzanian government for its continued financial support, which has enabled the implementation of various development projects at both the Miyuji and Mwanza campuses. Recent accomplishments include the construction of three hostels for 600 students, two academic blocks for 1,774 students, and additional modern hostels and lecture theatres.

IRDP’s Deputy Rector, Prof. Provident Dimoso, highlighted that the institute is also working on five development projects using internally generated funds (IGF). These include the construction of an administration block, a mini-library, and a cafeteria at their Kitumba training center in Mwanza, as well as land compensation for future development projects in both Mwanza and Dodoma.

Prof. Dimoso expressed gratitude for the government’s support in realizing these projects, which are designed to expand student accommodations and staff offices. He also noted improvements in IRDP's library services, with access to various online resources such as EBSCOHOST, AGORA, and TEEAL.

The HEET project’s main objective is to boost enrollment and improve the quality and labor market relevance of degree programs at 18 public universities and institutions. It also aims to modernize teaching and research infrastructure and train university faculty and administrators to the highest standards.