What Ardhi University deployment of AI servers means to research, learning

Speaking in an interview with The Citizen, Head of the Department of Computer Systems and Mathematics, Dr Godfrey Luwemba, said the technical setup was completed in collaboration with the Research and Education Network for Uganda (RENU), working closely with ARU staff.

“These AI servers will transform how we train students and conduct research. They provide a robust platform for practical AI applications, innovation, and cross-sector collaboration,” said Dr Luwemba.

The infrastructure will support ARU’s newly accredited Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, scheduled to launch in the 2025/26 academic year.

It also complements the earlier establishment of a dedicated AI laboratory within the CSM department, aimed at equipping students and researchers with hands-on skills in AI and data science.

“By investing in state-of-the-art infrastructure and nurturing regional partnerships, ARU is positioning itself as a leading hub for AI excellence in East Africa,” he added.

The AI servers bring a range of benefits that go beyond technical performance, one of the key impacts is the promotion of interdisciplinary collaboration across university departments, enabling researchers and students from diverse fields to work together on complex AI-driven projects.

They also significantly boost computational capacity, a crucial component for conducting advanced data analysis, machine learning, and other AI research.

This enhanced capability is expected to transform both teaching and research outcomes.

“With access to these resources, our academic community can engage in work that was previously beyond reach. This marks a shift from relying solely on open-source platforms, which often lacked the performance and scalability for cutting-edge AI tasks,” he said.

The new servers offer ARU a robust internal computing environment, allowing for deeper experimentation and skill development.

According to Dr Luwemba, this also strengthens the university’s ability to attract new students and research partners, bolstering its profile as a centre for innovation.

“Investing in AI infrastructure is not just a technical upgrade; it’s a strategic move that underlines our commitment to technological advancement in higher education,” he said.

Beyond its academic benefits, the deployment of AI servers is set to elevate ARU’s regional standing.

A lecturer at ARU, Dr Eunice Likotiko, said the investment positions the university as a technological leader capable of forming strategic partnerships with both international institutions and the private sector.

“The presence of an AI server enhances our institutional reputation and directly contributes to national development. By nurturing graduates skilled in AI, we are empowering the next generation to drive innovation and development across Tanzania and beyond,” she said.

Students have also welcomed the development, with Ms Golden Haule saying the new servers provide invaluable access to powerful computing tools.

“It allows us to work on real-world projects and build practical skills in AI, data science, and innovation,” said the second-year student from the department of computer systems and mathematics.

“This infrastructure shows that ARU is keeping pace with global technological trends, which can open doors for more opportunities and partnerships,” she added.

According to her, the hands-on experience will better prepare students to contribute meaningfully to Tanzania’s digital transformation.