NIT debuts new courses targeting modern green transportation

National Institute of Transport will, effective the 2019/20 academic year, introduce several ordinary diploma programmes to train new professionals badly needed by the current market.

NIT RECTOR, PROFESSOR ZACHARIA MGANILWA.

The Banker’s Correspondent, PROSPER MAKENE spoke to NIT Rector, Professor ZACHARIA MGANILWA on objectives behind the latest move, excerpts:

Why are you introducing the new diploma courses in the 2019/20 academic year?

Our new courses will be different from what is being offered by other universities or colleges in the country because one of the main objectives is to train and equip students with expertise that can take the challenges of the modern Intelligent Transport System (ITS). For example, in electrical engineering, students will get knowledge and skills that will enable them service or repair modern hybrid gas or electric cars which are becoming popular globally because of low-carbon emissions.

The world is now moving away from using old technologies that are not environmentally friendly hence the latest move even in our country to invest in Standard Gauge Railway compared to the old diesel or coal fired locomotives. Therefore, students from these courses will also have the expertise to carry out maintenance of electric trains which will be moving on the SGR lines currently under construction.

What else will the graduates of these green technology courses have?

After studying these courses, graduates will also be able to compare the environmental improvements that these new transport technologies and energy sources can deliver as well as understand that both technical and behavioural changes have a role in achieving cleaner transport sustainably.

Digitalization is the key word in modern transport, implying driverless operation driving with zero emission and automated condition. What course have you designed to cover this?

Well, we have designed electronics and telecommunication engineering courses to prepare students who will get abreast with changes in the modern digital society. Many modern transport modes such as electrical train, advanced civil and military aircrafts, maritime patrol and radar surveillance infrastructure are now using fifth generation control technologies which is what students undertaking these courses will acquire expertise. Graduate in electronics and telecommunication engineering are highly demanded in the modern market which locally includes SGR project.

What is so special with electronic vehicles that you want the students to learn?

Most of the modern cars are fitted with an array of sensors, networking and satellite navigation systems, all of which require knowledge and skills in electronics. Therefore graduates from this course will have an opportunity of servicing and repairing electronic vehicles in complicated and sensitive parts such as the engine control unit.

In general, what are some of NIT’s goals and objectives for the next few years?

NIT is envisioning to be a regional centre of excellence in logistics, management and transport technology through provision of flexible and high quality training, research and consultancy in logistics, management and transport technology for sustainable socio-economic development of this country. Other goals include: to improve management of crosscutting issues; strengthening good governance practices; improving working, teaching and the learning environment; improving the academic staff capacity to deliver and strengthening administrative and technical staff capacity to deliver, among others.

What are specifically have you planned to before the end of 2019?

The overriding objective of NIT is to improve knowledge, skills and services in logistics, management and transport technology leading to socio- economic development of the country. This goal represents the highest level of results envisioned by NIT, though other key players significantly contribute towards the achievement of this.

In conclusion, tell us the evolution of NIT over the years since establishment in 1975?

After being established in 1975 as a training wing of the then National Transport Corporation (NTC), NIT was re-launched through the NIT Act of 2002 as an autonomous higher learning institution with a mandate to train, conduct research and carry out consultancy services in all modes of transport such as road, rail, maritime, air and pipeline system.

The Institute is fully accredited with the National Council for Technical Education to provide competence based education and training programmes at the level of certificate, diploma and degree.

In addition, the Institute collaborates with Open University of Tanzania to offer Master’s in Business Administration in Logistics and Transport