MOU signed with Tanzania for starting Campus at Zanzibar in October
By Arun Kumar Shrivastav
India and Tanzania signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Thursday to establish the first overseas branch of the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Tanzania.
The IIT Tanzania campus is scheduled to open its doors in October 2023 and will welcome an inaugural batch of 50 undergraduate and 20 master's students. The MoU was signed between India's Ministry of Education, IIT Madras, and Tanzania's Ministry of Education and Vocational Training Zanzibar. Dr. S. Jaishankar, the External Affairs Minister of India, expressed his gratitude to President of Zanzibar, Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, for his presence during the signing, emphasizing that it reflects “India's commitment to the Global South.”
Dharmendra Pradhan, the Education Minister, also expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating that it embodies Prime Minister Narendra Modi's dedication to strengthening South-South cooperation and fostering stronger people-to-people ties with Africa.
IIT Madras intends to launch four undergraduate and five postgraduate programs at the Zanzibar campus. While IIT Madras will have the final say in determining academic programs, curricula, and student selection criteria, the capital and operating expenses will be covered by the government of Zanzibar-Tanzania, as stated by the Ministry of External Affairs. Upon graduation, students from this campus will be awarded degrees from IIT Madras.
In an interview, V Kamakoti, the Director of IIT Madras, explained that IIT Tanzania would function as a branch of IIT Madras. He highlighted the criteria for establishing overseas campuses, which include demand for an IIT in the host country, support from the host government, and a strong school education system that nurtures talented candidates. Tanzania meets all three requirements, boasting an exceptional education system and the potential to attract outstanding candidates from across Africa, according to Kamakoti.
Regarding the programs offered, Kamakoti mentioned that the campus will provide Bachelor of Science (BSc) degrees in Data Science and AI (Artificial Intelligence), along with M. Tech programs in Energy Systems and Cyber-Physical Systems.
“The state-of-the-art interdisciplinary degrees are expected to attract a diverse cohort and will include students from Africa and other countries as well. Indian students are also eligible to apply to these programs,” stated the Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday.
Apart from Tanzania, two additional global campuses of IIT Delhi and IIT Kharagpur are planned to be established in Abu Dhabi and Kuala Lumpur, respectively.
Zanzibar is one of the provinces of Tanzania and it's an island with plenty of beach tourism. Both on its mainland and its surrounding islands, Zanzibar boasts some of the most breathtaking beaches in the world. With pristine white sands and mesmerizing turquoise blue seas, it offers an idyllic beach escape regardless of the time of year.
Zanzibar, in particular, stands out as an intriguing choice, especially considering its proximity to cities like Dar es Salaam. Zanzibar's historical significance as a trading hub and its current efforts to establish itself as an international business center may have played a role in this decision. The allure of Zanzibar lies in its ability to offer both a serene environment, ideal for students to concentrate on their studies, and access to the vibrant Swahili culture, enriching their experiences.
The island's finest beaches are truly a sight to behold, offering breathtaking sunsets, palm-fringed shores, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs. Whether visitors are seeking relaxation after a safari adventure, a laid-back beach holiday, or a romantic East Africa honeymoon, Zanzibar's pristine beaches remain the primary attraction.
The year-round balmy temperatures, averaging around 30 degrees Celsius, make Tanzania and its islands a haven for beach enthusiasts. Regardless of when you plan to visit, the allure of powder-white sands and inviting turquoise waters awaits, providing the perfect backdrop for a memorable beach getaway. (IPA Service)
