Investigation on investments, utilization, sustainability and contribution from ICT infrastructure in Tanzania’s higher education institutions (HEIs)

The main objective of this research was to investigate use of ICTs infrastructure to support strategies end core functions of strategies Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Tanzania. Approaches used to collect data in this research were questionnaires and interviews conducted from six selected Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Tanzania. Less than 40.3% respondents reported ICT utilization effectiveness for research activities as average, effective as well as highly effective. Less than 50% stakeholders’ reported average, effective as well as highly effective utilization of ICT for teaching activities. Also there are poor ICT services provisions that lead to stakeholders’ dissatisfaction. In addition, there is lack of sustainable dedicated funding for information technology on HEIs in Tanzania and this contributes to slow implementation of ICT Policy, plans and Strategies. ICT, when used effectively, has positive contributions to Research, Teaching, Learning, and Administrative activities. Therefore it is recommended that there have to be improvement in ICT funding strategies, educational technology; integrated web based services, ICT support and services as well as coordination of ICT resources to overcome those challenges.