Students from Sega Girls' Secondary School in Morogoro Region, along with friends from four secondary schools in the regions of Iringa, Dodoma, Dar es Salaam, and Pwani, visited Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) on Wednesday, October 5, 2022. They were welcomed by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Raphael Chibunda
The visit's objectives were to observe and gain knowledge of SUA's programmes, leadership and management structure, and numerous extracurricular endeavors.
In his address to the students, Vice Chancellor Professor Raphael Chibunda said the Sokoine University of Agriculture continues to support the efforts of the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania to increase the number of girls studying science subjects at various levels of education and the appeal made by President Hon. Samia Suluhu Hassan encourages girls to seize opportunities, including leadership.
He told them that the university's goal for the next few years is to have fifty percent of female students studying at SUA, thus he encouraged them to put in more effort and become better students who focus on their studies, particularly in Science so that one day they may be SUA students.
"Our goal is to ensure that we reach fifty percent of the number of girls admitted to study at this university, that is, 50 by 50 in terms of the number of Male and Female students, so we encourage female students to study hard so that they have the opportunity to study higher education and we genuinely think they have the ability to do well in their studies, particularly in science subjects," said Prof. Raphael Chibunda.
Prof. Chibunda further said that there are many opportunities that favor female students these days, such as the "MAMA SAMIA SCHOLARSHIP," which provides higher education funding to students who excel in science subjects, and that all they need to do is work hard in their studies to take advantage of those opportunities.
Ms. Paulina Lusisye, the head administrator at Sega Girls' Secondary School, explained what motivated them to visit SUA, saying that they truly believe the university is the best in Tanzania because of the best study programs offered, as well as the various initiatives and projects that are implemented to help and empower young people achieve their dreams and success.
According to her, this visit is critical since it will change the students' mindset, particularly the way they prepare for their future carrier and lives.
She expressed her gratitude to SUA for allowing them to visit and study by seeing different areas of campus, which has given the students new inspiration.