TAEC urged to boost development of local atomic energy experts

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Minister for Education, Science and Technology has called on the Tanzania Atomic Energy Commission (TAEC) to intensify its efforts in developing local expertise in the atomic energy sector.

Speaking at the inauguration of the TAEC board in Dar es Salaam, Prof Adolf Mkenda acknowledged the commission’s ongoing commitment to funding specialist training. He urged the board to significantly increase investment in developing local experts.

“The existing initiative to allocate funds for professional training in atomic-related fields is commendable and should be expanded,” Prof Mkenda stated.

“While Tanzania demonstrates regional progress, it is crucial to cultivate a larger pool of specialists to advance knowledge through our institutions.” He said while general scholarships exist, they often fail to address the specific needs of the atomic energy sector.

Prof Mkenda stressed that TAEC has a responsibility to ensure the scholarships are awarded to qualified Tanzanians, enabling the growth of knowledge in the field within local institutions.

“Given your strong partnerships with science and technology institutions across the country, I urge you to continue working closely with them to select experts from these institutions for further studies, thereby expanding the pool of specialists in Tanzania,” he added

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Prof Mkenda further urged the board’s authority to select and send experts for further studies, but suggested that they prioritise qualified individuals within TAEC before extending the opportunities to other eligible Tanzanians, including university students and staff.

“I urge you to ensure that the selection criteria are fair and transparent, with those who meet all qualifications given the opportunity. This process should be expedited to ensure that applicants can submit their applications before the admission window closes,” he said.

He also reminded the board that fees should be seen as a tool to fulfill responsibilities, rather than the end goal.

“Ensure that only the necessary products undergo atomic testing, and avoid imposing unnecessary costs on Tanzanians,” Prof Mkenda cautioned.

Moreover, the Executive Director of TAEC, Prof Najat Kassim Mohammed, announced that they have begun training board members in collaboration with the Uongozi Institute to ensure effective and efficient execution of the board’s responsibilities.

The Chairperson of the TAEC board, Prof Joseph Msambichaka expressed his gratitude to President Samia Suluhu Hassan for his reappointment to a second term.

He expressed his commitment to overseeing the implementation of TAEC’s plans and objectives with professionalism and dedication.