Relationship between higher learning system of education and labour market demands in Tanzania: a case of IFM and UDSM

The aim of this study was to examine the influence of Higher Learning System of Education on Labour Market Demand in Tanzania. More specifically the study aimed to determine the extent to which perceived knowledge and skills, quality of teaching/competence, infrastructural support and curriculums of Higher Learning Institutions (HLIs) relate to labour markets demands. In attaining its aim the study selected two higher learning Institutions in Tanzania namely the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) and the Institute of Finance Management (IFM) as case study. In terms of its methodology the study used interviews and questionnaires as main tools for primary data collection. The study involved a total of 60 responding students. Data analysis was quantitatively done through the use of descriptive analysis that involved frequencies, mean and standard deviation. This study found that the perceived quality, knowledge and skills imparted in the Higher Learning do not adequately meetlabour market demand. On the other hand infrastructure that supports higher learning education as well as the existing curriculum inadequately complies with the labour market demand. Thus this study recommends that in order to address the existing labour market challenges in Tanzania there should be improved quality of teaching and learning infrastructures to accommodate the practical oriented system of education in Tanzania. This can be done by increasing participation of stakeholders in all levels of education from primary education to University education levels. Finally, curriculum, teaching and learning infrastructures need to be further improved.