The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) has officially launched its International Advisory Board, established specifically to provide strategic guidance to the institution’s Governing Council, with the goal of elevating Tanzania’s education to international standards, particularly in the fields of Science, Technology, and Innovation.

Recognizing the strategic importance of keeping pace with global technological advancements, the leadership of NM-AIST introduced the International Advisory Board to increase productivity and impact through the various research activities conducted by the institution’s experts for the sustainable development of citizens, the nation, and Africa as a whole.

Speaking in Arusha, Northern Tanzania, on behalf of the Minister of Education, Science, and Technology, Prof. Daniel Mushi highlighted that, due to the unique nature of NM-AIST, which is focused on Science, Technology, and Research, the presence of this board is expected to further improve the institution’s efficiency, enabling it to achieve international status and provide high-quality education to both local and international students. This will help produce experts who can be employed anywhere in the world, contributing to the country’s economic growth.

The formation of the board has been internationalized, selecting members from various countries that are highly advanced in the fields of technology and industry to provide strategic advice to the institution. The selection process prioritized the skills, experience, and expertise of the members, as well as the technological and industrial capabilities of their home countries. – said Prof. Mushi.

NM-AIST Chairperson, Mr. Omary Issa, noted that the board has been established to advise the institution on the development of technologies that will drive the nation’s economic growth and enhance NM-AIST’s reputation in producing a skilled workforce and impactful innovations.

One of the board members from South Korea, Prof. Park Ho Koon, expressed his satisfaction with being part of the committee and pledged to share his sixteen years of academic experience in bridging the gap between academia and industry to foster industrial and societal transformations for the benefit of the institution, the nation, and Africa at large.

The NM-AIST International Advisory Board comprises seven members from South Korea, Italy, the United States, and Tanzania. Its inaugural meeting is being held today, October 4, 2024, at the institution’s campus in Tengeru, Arusha.

The key objective of the board is to ensure that Tanzania and Africa, through NM-AIST, become a catalyst for development through technology. This is expected to be achieved by leveraging the diverse expertise and experience of the board members from five different countries around the world.