By OKULY JULIUS, OKULY BLOG IN ENGLISH – DODOMA
The Government has begun taking concrete steps to address challenges in accessing scholarships for studies abroad after noting that many Tanzanian students miss out on such opportunities due to difficulties in applying for them.
This was stated by the Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Adolf Mkenda, on January 20, 2026, in Dodoma while officially opening a working session between the Ministry and its affiliated institutions.
Prof. Mkenda said the Government has secured 127 scholarship opportunities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; however, the number of Tanzanian students applying for and benefiting from these opportunities remains low. This situation has prompted the Ministry to start addressing the barriers that prevent many students from applying for studies abroad.
He added that the Ministry has initiated a fast-track assessment to identify the reasons why Tanzanians do not fully utilize available opportunities for overseas studies whenever they arise.
He emphasized that this situation is unacceptable, especially in light of directives from the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, calling on the Ministry to increase the number of Tanzanians studying abroad.
“It is important to understand why, when opportunities arise, they are not taken up by Tanzanians, so that the Government can take appropriate measures and increase the participation of our students in international education,” said Prof. Mkenda.
On her part, the Deputy Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Wanu Hafidh Ameir, said the meeting provided an important opportunity for learning, sharing experiences, and building a common understanding of the direction of policy and programme implementation within the Ministry.
She further noted that the Ministry will continue to strengthen cooperation among its leadership, affiliated institutions, and education sector experts to ensure that the planned reforms are effectively implemented and deliver positive outcomes for the nation.
Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Prof. Carolyne Nombo, said the working session also aimed to deliberate in depth on how Ministry staff and its institutions will implement the National Development Vision 2050 within the education sector.
Prof. Nombo explained that successful implementation of the Vision requires unity, innovation, and well-structured plans that will enable Tanzania’s education system to respond to current and future needs, including increasing the number of professionals with international education and experience.
The meeting is expected to provide a new policy and operational direction in expanding opportunities for overseas studies and strengthening the contribution of the education sector to national development.
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