The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) are all set to expand their global presence with a new campus in Tanzania, East Africa, aiming to help close the skills gap in key industries. Access to quality Higher Education in Tanzania has been a challenge, with just 5% of the population holding a university degree. The IIT campus in Tanzania is set to provide more students with the opportunity to receive a world-class education.  

Union Minister, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan’s Statement

The announcement of the offshore campus was made by the Minister of Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, after meeting with his Tanzanian counterpart, Mr. Lela Mohammad Musaon on the 15 of February 2023.

He went on to say,

“India is happy to assist Tanzania with the IIT project. IIT in Tanzania can be a hub for technology education in Africa. I put forward the support required for implementation of the project and also shared India’s willingness to establish a 21st century skill center in Tanzania.”

Offshore IIT: Joint Venture by India and Africa 

The IIT will be established as a joint venture between Tanzania and India, with the Tanzanian government providing the necessary infrastructure and land, while the Indian government will provide the funding, curriculum, and faculty. The project is expected to cost more than INR 3000 crores, with the funding coming from the Indian government. 

Offshore IIT campuses are being set up following the recommendations in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. A committee was established by the Centre for the Global Expansion of IITs in consultation with Indian missions abroad, which had earlier identified the UK, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Malaysia, Egypt, Qatar, and Tanzania as potential locations for offshore campuses operating under the brand name of 'Indian International Institute of Technology.' 

Benefits of Setting up Offshore IIT Campus in Tanzania  

The development of the IIT campus in Tanzania could benefit both India and Africa in a number of ways. For instance, it will present India with a chance to increase its influence in Africa and forge closer trade and economic connections with the continent. It may also present chances for Indian and Tanzanian researchers to work together, resulting in cooperative research initiatives and improved knowledge exchange. 

For Africa, the establishment of an IIT will help to address the shortage of skilled engineers in the country. It will provide access to high-quality engineering education to Tanzanian students who may not be able to travel abroad for education due to financial constraints. It will also increase opportunities of research collaborations leading to the development of new technologies and solutions to local problems.    

Proposed Plans of the Initiative

Initially, the proposed offshore campus will offer postgraduate courses, but the long-term plan is to expand and provide undergraduate courses similar to those offered in IITs. The Institution of Eminence status enjoyed by IIT Madras also provides an advantage in its global expansion.

The eligibility criteria for admissions would primarily be JEE scores. In addition to JEE-Advanced scores, admission for undergraduate courses may also consider Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) scores. The use of SAT scores for admissions was also recommended in IIT Delhi's proposal for setting up campuses in Saudi Arabia and Egypt. The proposal, which is still awaiting government approval, suggests offering four-year undergraduate courses with an annual intake of up to 240 students in four branches based on SAT scores. 

End Note

The establishment of an IIT in Tanzania is a significant milestone in the country's development, with the potential to promote economic growth and technological innovation. The project will not only benefit Tanzanian students but will also promote cultural exchange and research partnerships between Tanzania and India. The IIT is expected to create a skilled workforce, promoting entrepreneurship and increasing foreign investment in the country. 

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