On 8 January, the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) presented the Samia Scholarship DS/AI+ initiative to the University of Glasgow as part of discussions aimed at strengthening academic collaboration and exploring opportunities to host some of the scholarship beneficiaries.

Vice Chancellor NM-AIST, Prof. Maulilio Kipanyula outlined the components of the Samia Scholarship DS/AI+. These include a preparatory Bootcamp conducted at NM-AIST, designed to equip beneficiaries with the necessary skills before joining top universities worldwide; the placement of outstanding students in leading international universities for undergraduate studies; and government funding to support the Master’s programme in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at NM-AIST.

Prof. Kipanyula emphasized that the Samia Scholarship Extended Programme in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence aims to build a critical mass of highly skilled professionals in these fields to drive digital transformation and innovation.

Prof. Chris Pearce from University of Glasgow congratulated the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, through the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, COSTECH and NM-AIST for establishing the Samia Scholarship DS/AI+, describing it as a remarkable and forward-looking initiative for national digital transformation development