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By Adeladius Makwega
President’s Office, National Records and Archives Management Department, Dodoma
Dodoma, October 13, 2026
There are people whose departure from this world leaves a profound void, yet their contributions remain indelibly etched in the lives of others and in the development of the nation. Among them is Professor Geoffrey Mmari, a distinguished scholar and education expert whose contribution to Tanzania’s education sector deserves to be remembered and celebrated.
His death is a great loss to his family, the academic community, teachers, students, and the nation as a whole. Nevertheless, his ideas, writings, and contributions to educational development will continue to form an important part of Tanzania’s educational history.
Recognising the significance of Professor Mmari’s contribution, the President’s Office, National Records and Archives Management Department, undertook a two-day review of various historical references preserved in its archival repositories in Dodoma and Dar es Salaam. The aim was to gather more information about the life and contribution of this distinguished scholar.
The exercise was conducted by two officers: Mr Ali Athumani Litongelele, a typist from Dar es Salaam, and Ms Neema Milinga, a librarian from Shinyanga Region. Although Mr Litongelele did not find the material they were looking for, Ms Milinga’s efforts yielded a valuable discovery: an important article written by Professor Mmari.
Indeed, in this particular exercise, the Makonde proved no match for the Sukuma, with the Mpogolo serving as the referee!
With great respect and a sense of accomplishment, Ms Milinga presented an article entitled
“Ten Years of New Mathematics, 1962–1972,” published in The Tanzania Education Journal, No. 3, Volume 2, in 1973.
The discovery of this article is a powerful reminder of the value of historical records in preserving the ideas, knowledge, and contributions of individuals who have played a role in the development of our nation.
In the article, Professor Mmari examines the history and development of the teaching of New Mathematics in Tanzania between 1962 and 1972. He discusses the factors that prompted the introduction of new approaches to mathematics education, including global scientific and technological developments and the need to strengthen mathematics teaching to meet the demands of the time.
The article also highlights challenges encountered during implementation, including shortages of textbooks, teacher preparation, and the need to equip teachers with the skills required to apply new teaching methods effectively.
Despite these challenges, various initiatives were undertaken through training programmes, seminars, and collaboration among educational institutions. These experiences demonstrate that educational reforms require sound planning, skilled teachers, adequate textbooks and teaching materials, and cooperation among different stakeholders.
In this regard, Professor Mmari’s writings are more than a record of the past. They remain a valuable reference for education professionals seeking to reflect on the achievements, challenges, and future direction of educational development in Tanzania.
Professor Mmari’s contribution reminds us that educational progress cannot be separated from research, innovation, the preservation of knowledge, and the production of written works that benefit future generations. His work gives us an opportunity to reflect on where we have come from, assess where we stand today, and consider where we wish to go in our continuing efforts to improve education in Tanzania.
During this period of mourning, the discovery of his 1973 article provides yet another reason to honour his legacy. It demonstrates how national archives can connect present generations with the history of those who came before them while preserving knowledge that might otherwise be lost if it were not carefully safeguarded.
In honour of the late Professor Geoffrey Mmari, his article is attached to this tribute so that readers may engage with his ideas and reflect on his contribution to Tanzania’s education sector. This initiative also underscores the importance of preserving and promoting historical records as a valuable resource for researchers, teachers, students, and the public at large.
At this difficult time, the President’s Office, National Records and Archives Management Department, extends its heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Professor Geoffrey Mmari, his relatives, friends, former students, and all those affected by his passing. We pray that they find comfort, strength, and courage during this challenging period.
Farewell, farewell, Professor Geoffrey Mmari. Although you have departed this world, your contributions, writings, and enduring place in the history of education will continue to be remembered. Your legacy will live on through the knowledge you documented and the records you left behind for the nation.
“The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” (Job 1:21)
Amen.
Email:makwadeladius@gmail.comTelephone: 0717649257
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