The Director of Higher Education at the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology Professor Peter Msoffe emphasized the crucial need for scientific researchers to utilize precise statistical data in diagnosing diseases.
This call was made in Arusha, November 13, 2023, during the opening of the Fourth Asian and Africa Stereology Congress, a collaborative effort between the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-IAST) and Ondohuz Mayis University in Turkey, with participants from 10 countries, including Tanzania.
Professor Msoffe highlighted the significance of accurate research data in developing effective medicines for the treatment of various diseases. He emphasized that leveraging accurate statistics is essential in overcoming challenges posed by emerging diseases, preventing harm to both individuals and the nation's economy.
Furthermore, Professor Msoffe underscored the need for strong research and discovery relations to propel the country forward, providing correct answers to studies that can positively impact society, agriculture, laboratories, and other sectors.
Professor Msoffe credited the government, particularly the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, for leading efforts to support the development of the science sector. This commitment has facilitated international collaborations, contributing to the country's global recognition.
Professor Maulilio Kipanyula, the Vice Chancellor of the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), highlighted that the congress aimed to bring together experts to enhance capacity in science, technology, and innovation, particularly within the health sector. Dr. Suleiman Kaplan from Turkey emphasized the successful collaboration between Ondohuz Mayis University and the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, which has now hosted the conference for the second time. He pledged to continue collaborating on various issues.
NM-AIST was visited by team from the World Bank led by Dr. Roberta Basset a Global lead for Tertiary Education and Senior Education Specialist and Mr. Mathus Kaboko Education Specialist / Management Specialist with a mission on following up on the implementation of High Education Economic Transformation Project (HEET) and ACE II projects.
The team had an opportunity to have a briefing meeting with the management and HEET committee concerning the implementation of the project at NM-AIST whereby HEET Coordinator Mr. Daniel Fissoo provided a summary of what has been done by HEET at NM-AIST.
After receiving a summary concerning the implementation of HEET project at NM-AIST, Dr. Roberta congratulated the management on how far they have reached and urge the team to work on the timeframe provided by World Bank so as to meet the targeted goal of the first phase of HEET Project.
“NM-AIST ACE II project is the best Centre of Excellence we have in Africa, I hope HEET project will benefit to learn from them how World Bank Project operates," said Dr. Roberta.
The delegates had an opportunity to tour around the Institution through areas which are under HEET Project by visiting the Video Conferencing Halls, Laboratory, and Incubation Centre.
HEET project is a five-year venture worth $425 million (Sh972 billion) that aims to strengthen the learning environment and labor market alignment of priority programs while enhancing the delivery of knowledge to produce graduates who meet the demand and standard of the current and future labor market.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) experts from The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) in collaboration with The University of Dodoma (UDOM) conducted a one-day awareness workshop among the key decision-makers and policymakers from government and private sectors on 29th March 2023 at NM-AIST Conference Hall Tengeru Campus in Arusha.
Speaking during the official opening of the workshop Deputy Vice Chancellor of Academic, Research, and Innovation Prof. Antony Mshandate said that a significant number of research activities have been done to solve various social-economic challenges in Tanzania in such a way the community of Artificial Intelligence experts has been growing over the past five years.
He added that Artificial Intelligence comes with promising results for sustainable innovations and solutions that can promote the social and economic well-being of our nation. However, there is less knowledge on awareness of responsible AI
Its roles which are meant to promote good intentions for all its intended users.
"With that view, it becomes a necessity for creating awareness of Artificial Intelligence and its roles in sustainable economic development among the key decision-makers and policymakers from the government and private sectors," said Prof. Mshandete
On His side, UDOM Lecturer and Principle Investigator at AI4D Research Lab Project Dr. Ally Nyamawe said that this workshop aims to bring together Artificial Intelligence experts, decision-makers, and policymakers to clear the existing gap of lack of AI awareness that has been preventing the easy adoption of AI solutions and the development of required frameworks and guidelines that guide the use of AI and its roles in sustainable economic development in Tanzania and Africa at large.
Visit of the Deputy Secretary General, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology Prof. James Mdoe to Nelson Mandela on Friday 31st March 2023.
The management of NM-AIST was recently visited by the Deputy Secretary General, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology Prof. James Mdoe.
The visit aimed, among other issues, to receive a report from the Higher Education, Economic Transformation (HEET) project which also involved the construction of the new NM-AIST hostels.
Speaking on behalf of the NM-AIST Vice Chancellor, the Deputy Vice Chancellor Academics Research and Innovation (ARI) Prof Anthony Mshandete welcomed the Deputy Secretary General Prof. Mdoe and delivered him a brief report of the project which also included the progress of the construction of the hostel.
On his part, Prof. Mdoe advised the relevant departments to work according to the time frame to achieve the goals.
The HEET project is a five-year venture that aims to strengthen the learning environment and labor market alignment of priority programs, while enhancing the delivery of knowledge to produce graduates who meet the demand and standard of the current and future labor market.
Academicians have been urged to open the boundaries of Education and Employment within the East African Community for the development of the country at large.
This has been stated by the Minister of Education, Science, and Technology Prof. Adolf Mkenda during the official opening of the 12th Academic, Public, Private Partnership Forum held at Julius Nyerere International Convention Conference Center, Dar es Salaam from 15th to 17th March 2023
Prof Mkenda said that this forum is the unique platform that links academic institutions both Public and private entities and also academia with industry hence potential aspects for response to societal needs which leads to improving life and the economy.
The government encourages the private sector to participate in academic improvements and provide loans to university students. He advised the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) to shape policies through their engagement to increase effectiveness (educational policy and Curriculum review and argued IUCEA and the university highly engaged internationalization of university staff and students' mobility among regional universities.