TANZANIA: Italian Ambassador Lays Foundation Stone for Science Park at Tanzania’s Ruaha Catholic University
Dalphina Rubyema
The Ruaha Catholic University (RUCU) in Tanzania has strengthened its commitment to knowledge innovation and sustainable development by laying the foundation stone for a new Science Park building.
The ceremony was officiated by the Italian Ambassador to Tanzania, Giuseppe Coppola, who laid the foundation stone and said the facility will significantly enhance the academic performance of students enrolled in health-related programmes.
The event was attended by the Emeritus Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Iringa, His Lordship Tarcisius Ngalalekumtwa, founder of the University; the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Iringa, His Lordship Romanus Mihali; the Vice Chancellor of RUCU, Sr. Prof. Chrispina Lekule; as well as academic staff, administrative staff, and students.
Speaking before the laying of the foundation stone, Bishop Mihali said the building’s construction reflects the University’s shared commitment to knowledge innovation and sustainable development for society.
“We sincerely thank you for being a strong voice of dialogue and cooperation and a true friend to our educational and religious institutions. Your efforts have helped us transform challenges into real hope. Please accept our heartfelt gratitude and assure the people of Italy that we will continue praying for them and for the strengthening of relations between our two nations,” said Bishop Mihali.
On her part, the Vice Chancellor, Sr. Prof. Lekule, said the project marks an important milestone in RUCU’s academic, scientific, and social mission at both national and international levels. She added that the presence of the Italian Ambassador symbolises the strong friendship between RUCU and Italy.
“Your presence here today, Ambassador, is a clear symbol of lasting friendship and shared commitment between the Republic of Italy and the United Republic of Tanzania through RUCU. I also wish to sincerely acknowledge the presence of Bishop Mihali. We are deeply grateful for your spiritual guidance, moral leadership, and unwavering support for Catholic higher education institutions, especially RUCU,” she said.
Sr. Prof. Lekule also expressed special appreciation to the Emeritus Bishop of Iringa, His Lordship Tarcisius Ngalalekumtwa, for his visionary role as the founder of the University.
Explaining the infrastructure of the new building, Sr. Prof. Lekule said the first floor will host pharmaceutical laboratories, clinical laboratories, and environmental health sciences laboratories. The facility is expected to significantly enhance practical training for students and promote interdisciplinary innovation, thereby strengthening RUCU’s contribution to national and global health priorities.
The second floor will accommodate additional laboratories and modern lecture halls designed to support interdisciplinary research collaboration and excellence in teaching. The third floor will include academic and administrative offices, staff rooms, lecture halls, and a conference hall for scientific dialogue, public lectures, and international collaboration.
The Science Park building, already more than 70 percent complete with support from the Italian Bishops’ Conference, is expected to improve access to health services for surrounding communities upon completion, in addition to benefiting students, lecturers, and staff of the University.
