Govt commits to investing more in STEM for development
DAR ES SALAAM: MINISTER for Education, Science and Technology, Prof Adolph Mkenda, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continuing investing in science, technology and research for the nation’s benefits.
STEM is an approach to learning and development that integrates the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Through STEM, students develop key skills including: problem solving. Creativity, critical analysis, teamwork, independent thinking, initiative, communication and digital literacy.
Prof Mkenda expressed the commitment on Tuesday during a ceremony to honor Professor Karim Manji for his outstanding academic achievements.
‘It is important for any country to invest in science, technology, and research. As a nation, we must intensify our efforts in these fields, and the government is committed to this,” said Prof Mkenda.
He further emphasised that the government is working to increase budget allocations for science, technology, and research as the areas are vital for the development of the nation.
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‘We are continuing to invest adequately in these sectors including raising the budget because quality research will help us as nation,” he said.
Additionally, Prof Mkenda highlighted the government’s support for students excelling in science, engineering, and ICT by providing scholarships as part of the investment in the country’s future in science and technology.
He also applauded Prof Manji for his significant achievements, underscoring the government’s recognition of professionals whose research has had a profound impact on the society.
‘We are celebrating the great success of our colleague, Prof Manji. His award from one of the world’s leading universities is a tremendous honour for Tanzania. Several guidelines in the country’s health sector are a result of his researches and we will continue to acknowledge his and other professionals’ contributions to society,” said Prof Mkenda.
He stressed the importance of showing appreciation and providing support to those dedicated to conducting research that impacts people’s lives.
On his part, Vice-Chancellor of Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Prof Appolinary Kamuhabwa, also commended Prof Manji, noting that his guidelines and researches have made a great contribution to the health sector in the country.
‘Prof Manji is a role model in the health sector. His researches and guidelines have greatly contributed to the improvement of health sector in the country, and we congratulate him on his achievements,” said Prof Kamuhabwa.
Prof Manji recently became the first person from Tanzania and East Africa to receive the prestigious Alumni Merit Award from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in the USA.
His over 30 years of dedication to neonatal care research earned him recognition in the Lancet as the architect of newborn progress in Tanzania.
