Assessment of University Curricula to the Relevance of Labour Market Demand in Arusha Region, Tanzania

Neema Samwel
Ngaramtoni Primary School, Arusha.
Email: neemasamwel1987@gmail.com

Kennedy Omondi Otieno
St. Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT), Arusha.
Email: omondiken2016@gmail.com

Abstract: This study assessed the relevance of university curriculum to the labour market demand in Arusha Region, Tanzania. The objectives were to: examine the shortcoming of various aspects of universities curricula to labour market demand and determine the strategies to enhance Universities Curricula to the labour market demand. Human Capital Theory guided the study. The study adopted convergent mixed methods design. Interview guide and questionnaires were used to collect data from respondents who consisted of 60 postgraduate students, 12 lecturers and 10 employers selected from a population of 350. Cronbach Alpha reliability correlation coefficient for postgraduate students’ questionnaire after the pilot study was, r =0.799 while qualitative instruments were confirmed through cross-validation among different data collection methods. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics in the SPSS Version 25. Results were presented in form of tables of frequencies, percentages and means. Qualitative data were thematically analysed using thematic coding. Findings revealed that there is limited financial assistance, inadequate ICT materials and insufficient industry engagement. Additionally, the strategies include integrating practical experiences, establishing clear guidelines for funding virtual learning projects, and fostering industry partnerships. The study concluded that there is need to establish industry advisory boards to provide continuous input on curricula development, ensuring it meets current market needs. Incorporate project-based learning and real-world problem-solving into the curricula to develop practical skills. The study recommends that universities should place a stronger emphasis on entrepreneurship education to better prepare graduates for starting their own ventures that would contribute to economic growth.