Dodoma – By Our Correspondent

The Director General of the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA), Dr. Jabiri Bakari, has called upon Higher Learning Institutions in the Country to review their ICT and Engineering curricula to produce highly skilled and qualified professionals. He made these remarks yesterday in Dodoma while closing the National Cybersecurity Competitions 2025, that involved Universities from across the Country.

The competition, which seeks to identify and nurture talents in developing cybersecurity solutions, is coordinated by TCRA with the aim of empowering youth, strengthening cybersecurity measures, and fostering participation in the digital economy. Branded as “Cyber Champions 2025,” this year’s edition attracted 697 participants from 43 Universities Country-wide.

Dr. Jabiri commended all participants for their commitment to the competition, emphasizing that their engagement alone was a step toward digital literacy and economic transformation. “For young people to recognize the importance of ICT and dedicate their time to such initiatives, even if they do not win, is a significant milestone in building a sustainable digital economy,” he remarked.

Despite the accolades, Dr. Jabiri expressed concern over the limited number of institutions and participants and those who reached the advanced stages of the competition. Out of the 697 initial entrants from 43 Universities, only 247 from 16 universities progressed to the semi-finals, and just 50 competitors from four institutions advanced to the finals. “This is not an encouraging sign. Out of 43 participating universities, only four managed to make it to the finals. This highlights a gap that our institutions must address,” he noted.

He further stressed that these statistics should serve as a wake-up call for academic institutions. “The numbers speak volumes. Our universities must take this as an opportunity to re-evaluate their teaching approaches. Preparing students for the digital economy requires aligning curricula with current industry demands and continuously adapting to technological advancements,” he urged.

Dr. Jabiri underscored the importance of equipping students with competitive skills that enable them to innovate and provide solutions to real-world challenges. “A digital economy thrives on a well-prepared workforce. Universities must focus on nurturing students who are not only knowledgeable but also capable of excelling in an increasingly competitive job market,” he said.

He also highlighted the role of digital clubs in fostering innovation and expertise among students. “Participation in digital clubs is crucial as it enhances creativity, technical proficiency, and specialization in ICT fields. A strong foundation in STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) is key, and we urge our education stakeholders to prioritize this area,” he added.

Dr. Jabiri’s remarks come at a time when Tanzania is striving to bolster its digital economy by producing a highly competent ICT workforce. His call to action serves as a reminder for universities to take proactive steps in shaping the next generation of tech-savvy professionals.