The African Union has a vision of peace, integration, prosperity and peerage in the global community; an Africa led by its own people with a proud African identity; where African solutions are developed for African problems.

To achieve the vision of the African Union, engender sustainable development and meet millennium development goals, there is need to step up efforts to develop, nurture and retain a critical mass of human resources, particularly in the areas of science and technology. Support is also necessary to enhance the quality of teaching of these critical disciplines. For this reason, the African Union Commission has established the Mwalimu Nyerere African Union Scholarship Scheme.

The Mwalimu Nyerere African Union Scholarship Scheme is designed to enable African students to undertake degree programmes of study (Bachelors', Masters' and PhD) in leading African Universities, in the areas of science and technology, with a binding agreement that the beneficiaries will work in an African country for 2 to 5 years after graduation.For the first year of the Mwalimu Nyerere AU Scholarship Scheme, the African Union Commission has made provision for up to 50 scholarships at Bachelors' Degree level; all beginning in the year 2007. The next tranche will include scholarships for postgraduate studies.The Scholarship will cover all fees related to tuition and examination, return transport from home town to the University, and a modest subsistence allowance.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTION

Criteria for selection of candidates for the First Tranche are therefore as follows:

(i) Candidates:· Nationals of African Union Member States· Top performers in Member States in

science and technology related fields· Age: below 25 years for Bachelors degree· Admission to

a leading university in any African Union Member State· Must be willing to commit to work in

an African country for a minimum of 3 years after completion of studies.

(ii) Subject areas: The following fields of study will be eligible for scholarship · Engineering and

Technology (Civil, Electrical, mechanical, Chemical engineering)· B.Sc. in various fields,

including biological sciences, chemistry, astronomy, mathematics, physics, quantity surveying,

electronics, Information technology, agriculture, pharmacy

(iii) Country of StudyAny reputable African University in any African Union Member State.

Candidates are encouraged to seek admission from universities in countries other than their

own.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Those who meet the listed criteria are requested to apply confidently, by filling in and sending back the attached application form with copies of the following:· Relevant certificates· Letter of admission to a reputable African University· Curriculum vitae indicating age, nationality, working experience, and names and · Contacts of three referees, one of which should be from the school principal of the last school/college attended.Candidates should request referees to send reference letters directly to the AU Commission. Candidates should also explain in an essay of not more than 2,000 words, why they chose their field of study, and its importance to Africa.

Due to the expected high volume of applications, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.Send applications with supporting documents before 30th November 2006, to: -

SHIME WANAJUMUIA, KAMA HUWEZI WEWE KUNA MWINGINE ANAWEZA MPE NAFASI!!