SUA now has plagiarism checker software, eyes to eradicate cheatings in researches

By Selemani Beta

Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) through its Quality Assurance Bureau (QAB) and Centre for Information Communication Technology (CICT) organized an awareness workshop on the effective use of Turnitin Plagiarism Checker software with the target of curbing plagiarism practices at SUA.

The workshop brought together Principal, Dean, Directors and Heads of Academic Units and was facilitated by a resource person from Mzumbe University.

In his opening speech, the guest of honor, Prof Peter Gillah, SUA’s Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) thanked the University for procuring the plagiarism software following the approval of the Anti-plagiarism policy and guidelines and policy by SUA’s Council in March, 2019. 

Prof Gillah insisted that the workshop had come at the right time as it ensures immediate utilization of the Turnitin software hence ensuring production of high quality graduates and research output that contributes to Tanzania’s socio-economic development and beyond. 

In addition, Prof Gillah pointed out that in July 2019, the meeting of the Committee of Vice Chancellors and Provosts held at SUA directed that all Universities in Tanzania must use reputable software’s to curb the problem of plagiarism in Universities and University Colleges in Tanzania so as to ensure integrity of academic and research work.

Further to the above, Prof Gillah asked the Principals, Dean, Directors and Heads of Academic Departments to ensure that all Instructors at SUA to read and conform to SUA’s Anti-plagiarism policy and guidelines.

In addition, students must be made aware of the same and be encouraged to use the Turnitin software to ensure they do not submit plagiarized work unknowingly. More importantly all academic members of staff were encouraged to access the Anti-plagiarism policy and guidelines posted onto SUA’s website for further guidance.