Department of Distance Education

Provides flexible, high-quality remote learning opportunities through online and blended programs
Victor Emilian Shirima

Dr. Victor Emilian Shirima

Head of Department


Welcome to the Department of Distance Education of the Moshi Co-operative University (MoCU). The history of the Department dates back to 1963, following the establishment of the Co-operative College Moshi. In July 1964, the Government of Tanzania, through the Co-operative Union of Tanganyika (CUT) in collaboration with the Nordic Co-operative Consortium, established the Co-operative Education Centre (CEC) to cater for co-operative education in the Tanzania mainland, divided into zones known as Wings, of the today’s MoCU regional offices. In 1965, the Centre started offering distance education to cooperative members, employed staff, and elected leaders through short seminars, radio study circles, and correspondence courses. In 1993, the Government integrated CEC into the Co-operative College Moshi structure. Since then the department has been carrying the same activities. The Department coordinate the University programmes offered through distance learning mode. The Department is subdivided into three units: (i) Radio Unit, (ii) Professional Financial Co-operative Management Programme (PFCMP), and (iii) Correspondence Courses.

Core Function Areas

This department is responsible for the effective management of knowledge, as a strategic asset, to further the organisation’s objectives.

Coordinate distance learning programmes of the University

Coordinate and ensure timely production of educative radio programmes

Identify training needs for distance learning programmes of the University

Register students in various distance learning programmes of the University

Identify enrolment capacity of distance learning programmes of the University

Any other functions as conferred upon by the laws, regulations and MoCU Charter

Recommend the withdrawal of obsolete learning courses and programmes of the University

Conduct audience research for radio educative programmes; and Maintain database of registered distance learning students and courses

Liaise with other academic Department on the development of new courses and programmes at various levels based on the market demands