When universities and think tanks liberate themselves from the flawed perception that they are merely four walls designed to produce graduates aspiring for white-collar jobs, and instead embrace their rightful role of supporting governments in achieving key national ambitions, they begin to translate into reality the popular saying that “Education Is the Key to Life.”
The Governing Board and Management of the Dodoma-based Institute of Rural Development Planning (IRDP), under the leadership of Prof. Hozen Mayaya, have evidently demonstrated this approach.
On November 9, 2026, the Institute of Rural Development Planning (IRDP) inaugurated its 14th Governing Board at a colourful ceremony graced by the Deputy Minister for Finance and Planning, Laurent Deogratius Luswetula.
During the event, the Institute’s Rector, Prof. Hozen Mayaya, briefed the chief guest on an array of achievements recorded by the outgoing Board, ranging from academic excellence to infrastructural development at the university, which operates under the Ministry of Finance and Planning.
The achievements presented also included the conduct of impactful research and publication of key journals on both local and international platforms, among other milestones.
GOVERNMENT DIRECTIVES
In his remarks during the inauguration, Deputy Minister for Finance and Planning, Laurent Deogratius Luswetula, directed IRDP to continue aligning its institutional activities, academic programmes and research agenda with national development priorities to support the implementation of Tanzania’s long-term economic strategies.
The Minister, who represented the Minister for Finance at the event, said the Government was currently implementing two major national development frameworks: the National Development Vision 2050 and the National Development Planning Framework.
He observed that the implementation of these strategic frameworks presents an important opportunity for public institutions, including IRDP, to contribute meaningfully to the country’s development agenda.
“Your role must be demonstrated through producing highly skilled professionals and conducting sound research to support the Government in planning and implementing key interventions towards achieving the country’s economic development objectives,” he stressed.
Addressing the newly inaugurated Board, the Deputy Minister urged its members to build on the achievements of the 13th Governing Board and sustain efforts to strengthen the Institute across key areas, including academic programmes, research, teaching infrastructure, libraries and student accommodation.
He further emphasised the need for the Board to promote efficiency, innovation and accountability in the management of public resources while investing in young people through skills development that responds to labour market demands.
Luswetula also challenged the Board to strengthen IRDP’s collaboration with the private sector to promote investment, business development and academic competitiveness, noting that such partnerships would contribute to the country’s broader economic transformation.
“I urge the Board to ensure that these directives do not remain mere discussion points but are incorporated into the Institute’s plans and strategies and translated into its day-to-day operations,” he said.
He also called on the Board to provide effective oversight of the Institute’s management by ensuring the development of measurable plans, promoting the productive use of resources and strengthening the application of technology.
Furthermore, he urged the Board to expand collaboration with the private sector wherever appropriate and enhance the Institute’s capacity to address social, economic and national development challenges through practical and sustainable interventions.
IRDP Rector, Prof. Hozen Mayaya, commended the 13th Governing Board for its dedication, efficiency, patriotism and hard work in ensuring that the Institute continues to produce graduates who make a positive contribution to national development.
ABOUT IRDP
The Institute of Rural Development Planning (IRDP) is a corporate body established by the Parliamentary Act No. 8 of 1980.
This Act provides a legal framework for the Institute to be established as an important national centre for provision of training, research and consultancy services in the field of rural development planning and management with main objective of alleviating qualitative and quantitative shortage of skilled manpower within the framework of sustainable capacity building directed towards reducing poverty and attaining sustainable development
IRDP strives to enhance and strengthen capacity for rural development practitioners by providing post-secondary education and training, research and consultancy services.
The college is thus a multi-disciplinary and multi-sectorial institute empowered to oversee and coordinate the provision of expertise to in-service and pre-service personnel involved in rural development planning in the country.
Since its establishment, IRDP has been shaping destinies in planning and research methodologies focusing on the future prosperity of its students. As a result, graduates with IRDP qualifications have made valuable contributions in their fields. They are a proof of our unique approach of learning and training methodologies.
IRDP Provides a conducive environment for teaching, learning and working to both students and staff. This includes the library, academic blocks l the multipurpose hall.