THE government has set aside 3bn/- to fund training of nuclear science experts at top universities worldwide.

Dr Carolyne Nombo, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, announced this in Dar es Salaam yesterday during the launch of Women in Nuclear Tanzania (WiN Tanzania) association.
Dr Nombo explained that the association was established to encourage girls to engage in nuclear science and its technologies which extend beyond defence to vital sectors like health, agriculture, water and the environment.
“In all these sectors, we need specialists—especially women—who are skilled in nuclear science,” she said.
She added that the government’s 3bn/- allocation for this year will sponsor Tanzanian students who demonstrate potential in nuclear science, enabling them to master the technologies and advance various national sectors.
“When they return, they will possess advanced skills and drive progress across multiple industries through their expertise,” she noted.
Prof. Najat Kassim Mohammed, Director General of the Tanzania Atomic Energy Commission (TAEC) and President of WiN Tanzania, said the association will serve as a catalyst to nurture nuclear experts and connect women professionals in the field for learning and job opportunities.
Prof. Mohammed revealed that the group has begun visiting secondary schools to motivate girls to appreciate the importance of studying and excelling in nuclear technology.  “Nuclear science is needed in hospitals, agriculture, water and research but experts remain few, with even fewer women,” she said.
WiN Tanzania currently has nearly 100 members from various sectors across the country. Tanzania is the 21st African country and 58th globally to establish such an association.
Pupils from Jangwani and Chang’ombe secondary schools who attended the launch expressed enthusiasm about nuclear technology but lamented the lack of opportunities to fully develop their innovations.
Laura Mallya, a Form Six pupil at Jangwani, said she had developed a mosquito control device with her peers but school schedules hindered further progress.