654 Tanzanians pursuing science, technology studies overseas

A Total of 832 Tanzanian students were sent to other countries to pursue studies in different fields in the fiscal 2007/2008, Deputy Minister for Higher Education, Science and Technology Gaudentia Kabaka told the House here yesterday.

Kabaka said this when she was responding to a question by Dr. Christopher Mzindakaya who had wanted to know efforts made by the government in educating scientists inside and outside the country.

Answering the question on behalf of the Minister for Higher education, Kabaka said that in order to cope with the challenges of the 21 century, especially in the areas of science and technology, it was necessary for the country to educate many scientists.

She said that in realising that, the ministry had taken steps including, providing loans to all students who were enroll in local institutions with science and technology faculties.

In addition, she said the ministry was in the process of establishing an international science and technology institution to be called the Nelson Mandela African Institute of Science and would be based in Arusha.

She said the institute would be established for the purpose of curbing shortage of international experts in matters pertaining to science and technology and development research.

She added that together with the efforts made by the ministry to send students abroad donor countries offered scholarships, priority was always directed to science subjects.

``Up to 2007/2008 this year, the ministry had sent a total of 832 to various countries including, South Africa, Algeria, China, Czech Republic, Cuba, India, Poland and Russia.``
She said that among the 832 students, 654 were studying science and technology.