First overseas IIT campus to be set up in Zanzibar

The first overseas campus of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) will be set up in Zanzibar, Tanzania. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the establishment of the campus was signed by the Ministry of Education of India and the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training of Zanzibar.

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) is expanding its reach beyond India and will set up a campus in Zanzibar, Tanzania. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the establishment of the campus was signed by the Government of India, the Ministry of Education, IIT Madras, and the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training of Zanzibar. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said that the establishment of the IIT campus in Zanzibar is a significant step towards the internationalization of Indian education. He added that the move is in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which recommends that high-performing Indian universities be encouraged to set up campuses outside the country.

The Zanzibar campus will be the first overseas campus of an IIT. It will be a testament to the global ambition of IIT Madras and will open doors for deeper research collaborations with leading academic institutions worldwide.

The first IIT was established in India in 1951 in Kharagpur, West Bengal. Over the years, the IITs have expanded all over the country and there are now a total of 23 IITs. The establishment of the IIT campus in Zanzibar is a sign of India’s commitment to expanding its educational horizons and fostering innovation. A senior official from IIT Madras said that the admission criteria for the university will be decided by IIT Madras and degrees will be conferred by the institute. IIT Madras will also be responsible for planning pedagogical strategies for the offshore campus.

The establishment of the IIT campus in Zanzibar is a significant milestone in the India-Tanzania partnership. It is a testament to the strong ties between the two countries and their shared commitment to education and innovation. The campus is expected to provide high-quality education to students from Zanzibar and the wider region and to boost economic development in the country.