The graduates of St. Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT) have been urged to use social media responsibly. The Bishop of Bunda Diocese, as the Guest of Honour at the 28th Graduation Ceremony, advised students to carefully consider the pros and cons of new technologies in academic and social contexts. Bishop Simon Masondole made the remarks at the recent graduation ceremony held in Mwanza, Tanzania.
Sr. Ernestina Patrick Lasway, SAC and Dotto Bulendu – Vatican City and Mwanza
Bishop Masondole noted that while young people use social media for positive purposes like research, entertainment, and business, they must remain vigilant about its risks. He stressed that responsibly harnessing technology’s benefits is a key calling of every graduate.
“We all agree that the world is now at an advanced stage of development dominated by artificial intelligence. Despite the many benefits of social media, we must also be wary of its negative aspects, including immoral activities such as prostitution. Therefore, it is crucial to engage with these platforms thoughtfully and responsibly,” Bishop Masondole said.
Students using social media (Photo: Martin Nyoni)
Safeguarding education and mental health
The Bishop further highlighted the need for more research on the emergence and growth of social media use, particularly its impact on academic life and the well-being of young people. He stressed that such studies are essential in safeguarding the quality of education.
He also drew attention to the advent and proliferation of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Humankind, he said, must never lose sight of the fact that AI should always be regarded as a tool. “AI is not a human being; it cannot think or make decisions independently,” he explained. “We must be cautious so that we do not produce graduates whose work has been entirely generated by AI, without human oversight or ethical judgment.”
Avoid spreading misinformation and hatred
Regarding information sharing on social media, Bishop Masondole urged young people to exercise discernment about what information they share. He described the rapid growth of social media as fueling the “information battle,” cautioning users to be vigilant about the content they encounter online.
He warned against becoming “agents spreading misinformation, hatred, manipulation, and humiliation,” emphasising the importance of responsible online conduct.
Bishop Masondole also reminded staff and students that the primary mission of the Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC) in establishing SAUT was to create an institution that complements efforts to address poverty and social justice issues in accordance with the Gospel values. The university, thus, fills a critical gap, especially in the education sector. Through the SAUT, the Bishops of Tanzania have positioned the local Church as a key state partner in development and peacebuilding.
Commitment to academic excellence
The Vice Chancellor of SAUT, Father Professor Juvenalius Asantemungu, reiterated the university’s commitment to academic excellence and the quality of its graduates. He highlighted ongoing efforts to improve teaching facilities and strengthen faculty capacity. He also noted that SAUT has fostered partnerships with both local and international universities through academic exchange programmes for faculty and students.
“We continue to welcome students and lecturers from within Africa and beyond, and our own staff and students often travel abroad for further studies. This has become part of SAUT’s culture,” he said.
Campuses across the country
Nyamagana District Commissioner, Amina Makilagi, congratulated the graduates and commended the Catholic Bishops for their contributions to social services, particularly in education.
SAUT is a private university owned by the Tanzania Episcopal Conference. It originated from the former Nyegezi Social Training Institute (NSTI), which was upgraded to a university in 1998. Today, SAUT is one of the largest private universities in Tanzania, offering programmes from certificate to PhD levels, with campuses in Dar es Salaam, Mtwara, Arusha, Tabora, Bagamoyo, Morogoro, and Ifakara.
