Archbishop urges more investment in science subjects.

Archbishop of Dar es Salaam Polycarp Cardinal Pengo

To create more jobs and curb the worsening unemployment, the government has been urged to increase investment in science and technology.

 

The advice was conveyed yesterday in Dar es Salaam by Archbishop of Dar es Salaam Polycarp Cardinal Pengo during the seventh graduation ceremony of St. Joseph University where he was the guest of honour.

 

According to him, the government has been investing more in Arts subjects thus producing more experts in related fields and in his opinion, most of these graduates cannot employ themselves and that is among the leading causes of unemployment.

 

“It is high time for the government to invest in science and technology to overcome the shortage of the experts and unemployment since these graduates can employ themselves,” he said.

 

Cardinal Pengo went on to point out that development of any country is measured in terms of the number of universities and educational institutions and the prosperity of a nation is based on science and education.

 

Cardinal Pengo said that majority of Tanzanians are forced to travel abroad for treatment due to shortage of health expert, a plight he said will be resolved with increased investment in sciences.

 

The Archbishop called upon the graduates to abstain from corruption also not to support those who do engage in the practice but rather to turn them to the authorities.

 

“A disciplined engineer dedicated to the nation will not involve himself in corruption, they will advocate for diligence thus helping the society end the menace of corruption”   Cardinal Pengo said.

 

The University’s Chancellor Dr Arul Raj   challenged the grandaunts to go on improving their education and to stay updated on new discoveries and developments in their respective sectors.

 

 “You have acquired greater knowledge from the university and through such knowledge you should be sincere to your family and honest to your nation” he urged the grandaunts citing that they bear the responsibility to help their societies develop.

 

Commenting, Indian High Commissioner Debnath Shaw challenged the grandaunts to deliver the knowledge and skills they acquired from the University to the community through the various jobs they will do and initiatives they undertake.

 

 “Your chance to success is brighter if you execute the knowledge you got ethically with discipline,” she said.

 

In September last year, President Jakaya Kikwete said that his government was doing all it can to ensure that there is a conducive environment for both male and female students to pursue science subjects.

 

He was speaking during the third BUNENGI African First Ladies Discussion on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics in the United States of America.

 

He said among the measures that the government is taking include ensuring that all secondary schools have science laboratories and science students are offered scholarships and/or loans. 

 

In addition, the government has increased funds for procuring science books, the President said noting that irrespective of gender, Tanzania has a shortage of scientists, engineers and mathematicians.

 

Nonetheless he pointed out that enrollment of science students has increased from 32,899 in 2008/2009 to 51,840 in 2012/2013, but noted that the number of female students did not increase.

 

He explained that in 2012/2013, out of 51,840 university students enrolled in agriculture, medical science, natural science, ICT and educational science degree courses, there were only 16,241 female students. 

 

This is about 31.3 per cent compared to 35,599 male students who made up 68.67 per cent, he said.