JK: Africa needs more science, technology

BY DEVOTA MWACHANG`A

1st July 2013

President Jakaya Kikwete

President Jakaya Kikwete has said that for Africa to improve, it must set up more science and technology institutions, affirming government plans to reform the nation’s universities.

The president was speaking over the weekend in Dar es Salaam during the ongoing four-day Smart Partnership Dialogue where several African heads of state are in dialogue with experts on development of science and technology.

“…we need to build more science institutions, we must invest in the
youth…this is the future of Africa, a more technological continent,” said President Kikwete.

The president noted that the establishment of Nelson Mandela Institute of Science and Technology in Arusha, Mbeya Institute of Science and Techonology (MIST) and Dar es Salaam Institute of Techonolgy (DIT) are clear examples of the initiative.

“…at the moment we are facing a shortage of Science and Mathematics teachers. Despite efforts made to recruit them, the response is “poor” …but this is not surprising because even in other countries including United States of America, Kenya and Uganda they have a similar ‘cry’…” said the Education and Vocational Training Minister Dr Shukuru Kawambwa but noted that the government is still working to reverse the situation and improving teaching environment as well as compensation are part of the plan. 

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN