The University of Dar es Salaam - UDSM

OVERVIEW

The University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) started in 1961 as a College of the University of London. In 1963 it became a Constituent College of the University of East Africa. It was formerly established in August 1970, as a National University, through the University of Dar es Salaam Act number 12 of 1970. It was established with three main objectives, namely: 

To transmit knowledge as a basis of action, from one generation to another; 

To act as a centre for advancing frontiers of knowledge through scientific research; and 

To meet the high level human resource needs of the Tanzanian society. 

In 1961, the University started with the Faculty of Law. It expanded over the years with the establishment of the numerous Faculties and Institutes. It established a number of Colleges, some of which were later evolved into independent fully-fledged universities. 

In 1963, a School of Medicine was established within the premises of the then Princess Margaret Hospital. In 1968 the School became a Faculty of Medicine of the University College of Dar es Salaam, a constituent college of the University of East Africa. With the creation of the University of Dar es Salaam in 1970, the Faculty became the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Dar es Salaam. In July 1991 the Faculty of Medicine was upgraded into a constituent collegeof the University of Dar es Salaam - the Muhimbili University College of Health Sciences (MUCHS). The umbrella act for universities – The Universities Act number 7 of 2005 paved the way in 2007 for the elevation of MUCHS into a fully-fledged university - theMuhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS). 

The University of Dar es Salaam Act number 12 of 1970 provided an enabling setting in 1996 for the transformation of former Ardhi Institute into a constituent college of the University of Dar es Salaam under the name the University College of Lands and Architectural Studies (UCLAS). Over a decade UCLAS was nurtured and its programs and infrastructureexpanded. The umbrella act for universities – The Universities Act number 7 of 2005 paved the way in 2007 for the elevation of UCLAS into an independent institution - theArdhi University (ARU). 

Further developments have been witnessed with the establishment of two new Constituent Colleges, namelythe Dar es Salaam University College of Education (DUCE) and the Mkwawa University College of Education (MUCE).DUCE was established in September 2005 by upgrading the former Dar es Salaam Teachers College. It admitted its first batch of students in the academic year 2005/06. MUCEwas established by upgrading the former Mkwawa High School. The College started admitting students in the academic year 2006/07. The two Colleges focus on the training of teachers for secondary schools in response to the needs of the Primary Education Development Programme (PEDP) and Secondary Education Development Programme (SEDP).

University Logo

Mission & Vision

Vision

“to become a reputable world-class university that is responsive to national, regional and global development needs through engagement in dynamic knowledge creation and application.”

Mission

“the unrelenting pursuit of scholarly and strategic research, education, training and public service directed at attainment of equitable and sustainable socio-economic development of Tanzania and the rest of Africa.”

Guiding Theme

The focus of the University of Dar es Salaam activities during the period 2006/ 07 - 2010/11, shall be guided by the following theme: "Enhanced quality outputs in teaching, research and public service"

Values

Towards achieving its Vision and fulfilling its Mission, the University of Dar es Salaam subscribes to the following Values:
Academic excellence by ensuring that the pursuit of academic excellence in teaching, research and service to the public is well recognised and forms an important part of the academic and organisational life of the institution.

Academic integrity by ensuring that all the academic outputs are produced in line with international standards of academic integrity.
Academic freedom by upholding the spirit of free and critical thought and enquiry, through the tolerance of a diversity of beliefs and understanding, as well as fostering open exchange of ideas and knowledge amongst the staff and/or students.

“unrelenting pursuit of scholarly and strategic research, education, training and public service directed at the attainment of equitable and sustainable socio-economic developmentof Tanzania and the rest of Africa.”

Internationalisation through participation in the regional and global world of scholarship, by being receptive and responsive to issues within the international environment, as well as enrolling an increasing number of international students.

Professional and ethical standards by upholding the highest professional standards and ethical behaviour, and through openness, honesty, tolerance and respect for the individual in all disciplines.
Social responsibility by promoting an awareness of, and providing leadership to respond to, the issues and problems facing society with a view to ultimately solving and alleviating them.

Developmental responsibility by ensuring that most of the research conducted has an immediate or long-term impact. 

Teaching and learning by creating a holistic teaching and learning environment which is student centred, providing students with social, cultural and recreational opportunities that will facilitate the full realisation of their potential for academic and personal growth.
Institutional autonomy characterised by self-governing structures guided by the University’s Council and greater independence of action, while being responsive to societal and development needs or to what is prescribed by the relevant legal instruments.

Public accountability by ensuring transparent decision making and open review, as well as the full participation of stakeholders in the development of the institution and in major policy shifts.

Equity and social justice by ensuring equal opportunity and non-discrimination on the basis of personal, ethnic, religious, gender or other social characteristics.

Strategic planning culture by inculcating it at all levels in the University.
Research relevance by ensuring that research addresses relevant national or societal problems.
ICT use of ICT by application of ICT in the enhancement of academic delivery and management.

University Website: www.udsm.ac.tz