SERIOUSNESS among students and the teaching staff at St John's University in Dodoma has worked out a miracle to curtail cheating in examinations.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Gabriel Mwaluko of St. John's University of Tanzania, exclusively informed the 'Daily News' that the institution does not entertain cheating because the malpractice was harmful and implied compromise in academic pursuit to the detriment of the nation.

"Right from the beginning, each member of the university community is made to realize the objectives of this institution which is to provide education and facilities to conduct research. The aim is also to ensure the intellectual, social, moral and spiritual growth and development of students and staff," Prof Mwaluko explained.

He said six years of existence of St John's University ushered brighter academic future towards fulfilment of the institution's mission which is to make the place a centre of excellence for developing humankind holistically and to learn how to serve and fear God. "In case of any attempt to cheat, the first suspect is the lecturer who has set the examination paper.

There is no negotiation as we consider this as a serious crime. Students and teachers are equally resolute in the fight against academic cheating," he said St John's University is advancing knowledge transfer from one generation to another, he added in various disciplines ranging from Humanities, education, Science, Technology, Business, Nursing, Pharmacy and Theology.

Clarifying on the expansion objectives of the institution, the VC said the mission was also to reach out underserved places in the country like Kigoma, Lindi, Mtwara, Manyara - among others - where no university has been established. "Quality education is the right to all," he briefly said.