What You Need to Know
Tanzania’s Ministry of Education is reviewing the Education Act to address significant gaps identified in a preliminary report. The proposed improvements aim to align the Act with current educational policies, enhance child protection, and recognize the needs of students with disabilities. Stakeholder input is crucial for these reforms.
Africa-Press – Tanzania. THE Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and the Prime Minister’s Office, Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG), has received a preliminary report from the Committee for the Review of the Education Act, Cap. 353.
Speaking during a sectoral meeting convened to receive the report in Dodoma today, December 30, 2025, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Prof Carolyne Nombo, said although the education Act of 1978 has been amended several times, it still has major gaps that require improvement in order to align it with current policy and administrative reforms.
Elaborating, the Prof said the identified gaps include the age at which children start pre-primary education and Standard One, the duration of compulsory education and pre-primary education and the absence of provisions recognizing students with special needs.
Others include, the child protection while at school, the strengthening of leadership and governance structures in the education sector, as well as cooperation between the private sector and the government in the provision of education services.
Additionally, she said that the committee, which was formed by the ministry in May 2024 under the chairmanship of Prof Saudin Mwakaje, collected views from various stakeholders and prepared a preliminary report, which is now being presented for verification and improvement before being shared with stakeholders as a draft and eventually submitted to the Cabinet.
The Chairperson of the Education Act Review Committee, Prof Saudin Mwakaje, said the committee conducted an in-depth analysis of policy statements to identify those that require a legal basis in order to eliminate inconsistencies between policy and the law.
He added that the analysis involved a wide range of education stakeholders, including heads of educational institutions, associations of owners of private schools and colleges, professional associations, parents, teachers, students, organizations working with persons with disabilities, as well as development partners.
The Education Act of 1978 has undergone several amendments, yet it remains outdated in addressing contemporary educational needs. The recent review initiated by the Ministry of Education aims to modernize the Act, ensuring it reflects current policies and practices in the education sector. This initiative is part of broader efforts to improve educational access and quality in Tanzania.
The review committee, established in May 2024, has engaged various stakeholders, including educators, parents, and organizations advocating for persons with disabilities. Their insights are essential for creating a more inclusive and effective educational framework that meets the diverse needs of Tanzanian学生.
