AFRICAN SCIENTISTS GRADUATE WITH MASTERS' DEGREE

47 AFRICAN  SCIENTISTS GET THEIR DEGREES

SCIENTISTS DESCRIBED AS "AGENTS OF CHANGE"

 

Bagamoyo: Forty seven young scientists graduated with their Masters Degree at the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) at the historical town of Bagamoyo. Thirteen of them are women and all the Graduates are from 13 African countries with Tanzania having a majority graduates of 17 scientists.

The colourful graduation ceremony on Saturday morning was held on the terrace of Alfa Zulu complex overlooking the Indian Ocean a few meters away. One wing of the huge complex is given on lease to AIMS where students are sponsored by AIMS for their entire studies and other expenses. The colourful ceremony was attended by the former Minister of Education & Vocational Training and current Members of Parliament for Bagamoyo, Dr. Shukuru Kawambwa as Chief Guest and Chief Academic & Research Officer of AIMS NEI, Prof. Barry Green.

Apart from Tanzania, the other twelve African countries which benefited from the academic scheme were Rwanda. Mozambique, Nigeria, Malawi, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, Burundi, Ghana, D.R. Congo, Zimbabwe and Sudan. Dressed in their graduation attire, the scientists danced and sang in one voice “….we are one family…together we stand….we are students of AIMS Tanzania leading the trsnformation of Africa….” As a sign of gratitude they presented their appreciation large-size colourful cards to staff members of the institute.

Chief Guest Dr. Shukuru Kawambwa who was instrumental during the formation of the institute in Tanzania (fifth in Africa and next Rwanda) assured the management of Tanzania’s cooperation in furthering the interest of the institute. The historical German Boma which has undergone major renovation works (yet to complete) was earmarked to accommodate  the AIMS.

Prof. Barry Green who conferred the Masters’ Degrees advised the students to be significant in their field as scientists and “don’t stop asking questions” in their quest for scientific developments.

The Rector of the AIMS, Prof. Mark Roberts narrated the achievement of AIMS in Africa, major one being Scientists numbering 1212 from 42 African countries had graduated through the scheme. By 2023, twenty AIMS Centres will have been established on the Continent of Africa. Next in line is Rwanda and Morroco.

The MC of the function was Deputy Rector, Dr. Mahera Charles who conducted the entire ceremony up to the required standard. In his welcome speech he mentioned the graduates as “agents of change to transform Africa”

Story & Pictures by Abdul Hai

Bagamoyo News.

The Rector of AIMS Tanzania, Prof. Mark Roberts speaking about the huge achievements of AIMS in Tanzania and Africa as a whole at the graduation ceremony at Bagamoyo.

Chief Academic Officer Prof. Barry Green conferring the Masters' Degree on a young Tanzanian Scientist Janeth Mroki at the graduation ceremony.

Chief Guest at the graduation ceremony, former Minister for National Education & Vocational Training Dr. Shukuru Kawambwa and currently MP for Bagamoyo Constituency speaking at the ceremony. Dr. Kawambwa was instrumental in the formation of AIMS Tanzania since in its embryonic stages in 2013.

Prof. Barry Green talking to fresh graduates at Alfa Zulu complex where AIMS is accomodated.

A young scientist from Zanzibar Najat Zahor Said being conferred her Masters' Degree through the hands of Prof. Barry Green. She also spoke on behalf of the graduates saying "we carry the power and we all need to be committed to change Africa."