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30 graduate from Makumira Universityby Valentine Marc Nkwame The Usa River-based, Makumira University College has held its 8th graduation ceremony during which a total of 30 students were awarded with credentials in Divinity Studies. Taking place at the college’ premises last week, it was also the 48th graduation ceremony since the institution started offering Theological studies in1954. Among the graduands, there were 20 holders of the first degree (Bachelor of Divinity) and 10 in Masters, all from the College Faculty of Theology. Makumira, which is part of the Tumaini University run under the auspices of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT), has two faculties, Theology and the Faculty of Humanities. Speaking during the ceremony, Deputy Principal, Zakayo Kimaro, said the Humanities and Social Sciences Studies were introduced to the college after requests from parents, students and other local education stakeholders. According to Kimaro, these people were even ready to have their salaries deducted in order to raise money for the new faculty efforts, culminated with an overall fund raising ceremony which was graced by Prime Minister, Frederick Sumaye, where over Tsh.24 million was raised. The Makumira College expansion efforts were also highly boosted by both the people of Finland and Sweden who assisted in the construction of additional buildings at the campus. The guest of honour at the function was Education Minister, Joseph Mungai whose speech however stressed on both primary and secondary education development. Makumira College was established in 1947, then serving as a seminary for the Lutheran Church in Lwandai-Lushoto offering certificate level education in Theology. In 1954, the institution was shifted to Arusha in Makumira area of Usa River, Arumeru where it has been operating since then. In 1997 it was certified by the National Higher Education Accreditation Council (HEAC) and became part of the Tumaini University College. Tumaini University so far has four divisions, one being in Iringa region, another in Dar es salaam, the other is in the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) and the Makumira College.
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