Browsing by Author "Nyagawa, Nuru"

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    Challenges, opportunities and financing strategies for development of private higher learning institutions in Tanzania: A Case of Hubert Kairuki Memorial University (HKMU)
    (University of Dar es Salaam,, 2017) Nyagawa, Nuru
    Since 1995 when Private Higher Learning Institutions (PHLIs) were legally allowed to operate in Tanzania, the sector has quickly advanced and is currently playing a substantial role in the national higher education. Regardless of their important and substantial roles in education in the country, the challenges, opportunities and financing strategies for development of PHLIs in Tanzanian context are not well studied and documented. This study aims at assessing the main challenges, potential opportunities, financing strategies as well as association between financing and development of PHLIs using Hubert Kairuki Memorial University (HKMU) as a case study. Questionnaires were administered to the purposively selected sample size of 89 key informants from top management, deans, heads of department, academic and administrative staff. Three Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were conducted with the following categories of respondents: heads of department, academic and administrative staff. Observation technique helped in cross-validating the information collected through other methods. The findings indicate that limited financial resources, inadequate infrastructure; low remuneration and staff welfare; understaffing; low student enrolment for some courses; limited research and consultancy activities and high government regulatory requirements are among challenges facing PHLIs. They further reveal that potential opportunities for development of PHLIs include; increasing demand for higher education; availability of loans from HESLB; existence of good policy for establishment of PHLIs; university reputable brand; networking and collaboration with other institutions; and presence of qualified staff and infrastructures. In terms of financing strategies, the findings suggest that PHLIs may be financed by increasing students’ enrollment, introducing evening programs; introducing new degree programs; facilitating research and consultancy units; and collaboration and partnerships. The findings revealed a strong relationship between financing trend and selected HKMU development indicators. On the basis of the findings the study recommends that the government should improve the environment for the development of PHLIs. For their sustainable development PHLIs need to explore and effectively use existing and potential opportunities to improve their funding sources.