A total of 170 graduates in architecture, landscape architecture, building surveying, quantity surveying, interior design, construction management, project management, and technology in architecture have been urged to ensure safety, quality, and integrity in every project they undertake.

The call was made last week by Mwanahamisi Kitogo, Director of Technical and Electrical Services at the Ministry of Works, during the second graduation ceremony of the Architects and Quantity Surveyors Registration Board (AQRB), held in Dar es Salaam.

Kitogo stressed that the young professionals must strictly adhere to professional guidelines and principles, warning them against compromising standards or using their positions for personal gain.

“Please ensure that the construction projects you are going to implement meet international standards and the country’s development policy,” she said. She added that the government, in collaboration with stakeholders, is developing a Building Act and Construction Policy that will soon be shared with industry players to strengthen oversight and ensure better results.

She further challenged the graduates to be role models for future professionals, embrace creativity, and design buildings that can attract tourists to Tanzania. “Do not copy other people’s designs. Instead, strive to be innovative. If you create unique products and images of beautiful buildings, people will follow you,” she said.

Kitogo also advised the graduates to protect their innovations through Intellectual Property rights. “IP will safeguard your creative works and ensure that no one uses them illegally. Without formalizing your work, you will not be recognized,” she cautioned, adding that discipline, continuous learning, and adaptation to new technologies were critical to staying competitive in the global market.

One of the graduates, Architect Patricia Bandora, expressed appreciation to AQRB for guiding them and providing practical training opportunities in various companies across the country. 

“Stakeholders in the construction sector have involved us in national projects and given us platforms to showcase our skills. We are ready to ensure our work meets professional standards as we begin our journey as certified professionals,” she said.

Bundala Robert, AQRB’s Director of Research and Training, revealed that by August 30, 2025, the board had registered 1,708 professionals and 489 companies in various construction fields. Eight categories of professionals are currently recognized: architecture, quantity surveying, landscape architecture, technology in architecture, interior design, construction management, building surveying, and project management.

Robert explained that the purpose of the graduation is not only to introduce new professionals to the community, government, and private sector but also to strengthen professional records, protect the status of the professions, and encourage the use of registered experts.

“We want to recognize graduates who meet professional criteria, motivate others to register, and promote respect and quality in these professions,” he said.

Acting Registrar of AQRB, Architect Dr. Daniel Matondo, reminded the graduates that their registration placed them on a permanent professional register, carrying with it a duty to safeguard the integrity of their work.

“You now bear great responsibility to protect the honor and professionalism of these critical fields for the development of our nation,” he said. Graduates, he added, will be guided by a professional code of conduct outlining legal and ethical standards for practice.

The graduates came from Ardhi University, the University of Dar es Salaam, Mbeya University of Science and Technology, and several universities in neighboring countries.

Prof. Geraldine Kikwasi, from Ardhi University’s School of Architecture, Construction, Economics and Management, emphasized that professional recognition requires registration. “I urge you to be creative and align your work with modern technology so that both your careers and our universities gain international respect,” she said.