Learn about our history, mission, values, and the dedicated team behind St. Joseph Ikelu College of Health and Allied Sciences.
St. Joseph Ikelu College of Health and Allied Sciences (SJICOHAS) is a faith-based health training institution located in Ikelu, Njombe, Tanzania. Established under the patronage of the Benedictine Sisters of St. Gertrude Monastery Imiliwaha and the Diocese of Njombe, the college was founded with a clear and compelling purpose: to address the critical shortage of qualified health professionals in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania and across the nation.
The college holds Full Registration (REG/NACTVET/1190) from the National Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (NACTVET) and operates in close collaboration with St. Joseph Hospital Ikelu, which serves as the primary clinical training site for students. This unique partnership between an academic institution and a functioning hospital ensures that every graduate is not only knowledgeable in theory but genuinely competent in practice.
From its founding, SJICOHAS has been guided by the values of compassion, integrity, excellence, and service — values that are woven into every aspect of teaching, learning, and student development. Our goal is to produce nurses and allied health professionals who serve their communities with skill, dignity, and a deep sense of calling.
To provide high-quality, accessible, and values-driven health education that equips graduates with the knowledge, skills, and character to deliver compassionate healthcare to all.
To be a leading centre of excellence in health and allied sciences education in Tanzania and the East African region, recognised for academic quality and professional integrity.
"Knowledge · Skills · Service" — we believe the true purpose of education is not just personal achievement, but dedicated service to humanity and the glory of God.
The story of SJICOHAS is one of vision, faith, and a long-standing commitment to community health. Here are the key milestones that shaped the college:
The Benedictine Sisters of St. Gertrude Monastery Imiliwaha and the Diocese of Njombe identify the urgent need for a dedicated health training institution in the Ikelu area to complement the work of St. Joseph Hospital.
Formal planning begins with support from international partners including PAMOYA Italia and Sicomoro Onlus. Feasibility studies, curriculum design, and facility planning are completed in collaboration with NACTVET.
Construction of the college begins. A fully equipped Skills Laboratory, Library, Computer Room, lecture halls, and student hostel accommodation are built to national standards.
SJICOHAS receives Full Registration from NACTVET (REG/NACTVET/1190) in August 2025, and holds a Nursing and Midwifery School Licence from TNMC. The college is cleared to launch its first academic programme — the Diploma in Nursing and Midwifery.
SJICOHAS opens its doors to the first cohort of students. The first intake begins in October 2026. The college begins its journey of transforming healthcare in Tanzania.
Provides overall academic and administrative leadership, overseeing the strategic development and daily operations of SJICOHAS.
Responsible for curriculum delivery, academic scheduling, and ensuring high standards of teaching and student performance.
Manages the entire admissions process — from application review to welcoming new students at the start of each intake.
Oversees the Skills Laboratory and all clinical practical training, ensuring students are competent and safe in patient care settings.
Full Registration (REG/NACTVET/1190) with the National Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training, Tanzania.
Holds a Nursing and Midwifery School Licence from the Tanzania Nursing and Midwifery Council.
Official clinical training partner. Students gain hands-on experience at this fully-operational referral hospital.
Established under the ecclesiastical guidance of the Diocese of Njombe and the Benedictine Sisters of St. Gertrude Monastery Imiliwaha.