University of Dar es Salaam: Currently, there is no degree programme in Plant Pathology and Biosecurity. Hence, there is great need to improve the course contents of the plant protection and pathology courses of the BScs in crop science and technology /protection, General Agriculture, and Horticulture. VIRAL offers an opportunity to incorporate digital tools in timely disease detection. This is in line with the UDSM Vision 2061, pillar 2, that requires UDSM to increase relevant Postgraduate programmes. Further, the project comes at a time when UDSM is implementing higher education for economic transformation (HEET) project, in which curricula review for all the university’s degree programmes is undertaken. Focuses of the review are to ensure curricula meet current needs, equip students with skills and are student centred. To achieve that HEET project will train academic staff on modern and innovative education skills, knowledge-based learning, and strengthen application of ICT in course delivery. Currently, the Department of Crop Science and Beekeeping Technology is offering BSc in Crop Science and Technology and collaborating with the Department of Food Science and Technology in hosting MSc in Integrated Food Security by course work. Both programmes are offering courses in Plant Protection and Molecular Pathology. The new curricula (review is in process to be operational in 2024 academic year for both programmes have incorporated course unit on; Introduction to digital pathology, Digital imaging techniques in plant pathology, (use of Remote Sensing, Drones and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Hyperspectral Imaging, Digital PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction, Smartphone Apps and Image Recognition, Automated Plant Disease Scoring Systems, Wireless Sensor Networks and Digital Pathology. For effective delivery of this course, a plant pathology laboratory equipped with Digital RT-PCR, ELISA tests, and High-throughput sequencing technologies is necessary. The department has 2 senior lecturers, 3 lecturers, 4 Assistant lecturers and 2 tutorial assistants with expertise in plant protection related disciplines. Professional development, digital plant pathology speciality and modernization of molecular plant pathology laboratories (VIRAL is committed) will improve academic and research skills, teaching and advisory, postgraduate supervision and public engagement and thus contribute to sound pedagogy and student experience.