UK-based Aberdeen University and University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) have been awarded US$3.08mn in EU funding to help develop higher education in Tanzania and create a sustainable oil and gas sector in the East African country
According to Aberdeen University, the money will be used to fund a three-year project that will involve learning and research programmes to promote the petroleum industry of Tanzania.
John Scrimgeour, executive director of Aberdeen Institute of Energy (AIE), said, “The University of Aberdeen is delighted to receive US$3.08mn in EU funding to help develop energy-related higher education in Tanzania. Working with the University of Dar es Salaam we will help promote research and learning through education and staff exchange to develop their curriculum for sustainable oil and gas education. We will also maintain sustainable links and collaborations with the oil and gas industry in Tanzania.”
The Aberdeen University will work with UDSM to develop their curriculum across a range of energy-related disciplines, including engineering, geosciences, social sciences, business and law.
"There are significant gas reserves in Tanzania. However, the country relies heavily on oil and gas sector expertise from abroad,” added Scrimgeour.
Understandably, the government of Tanzania wants to develop its own home-grown expertise in order to develop a sustainable oil and gas industry and establish the country as a major energy influence in the region, he noted.
