Starving academics: How low pay fuels brain drain in Tanzania-4

One crisp morning, The Citizen sat down with a seasoned professor who has dedicated over two decades to teaching and research and currently lectures as a visiting professor at the University of Dodoma (Udom).

"I've seen too many colleagues leave during my time as a lecturer," he confessed, his voice tinged with a mix of sadness and frustration. "They are not abandoning their calling; they are escaping the financial shackles that bind us here."

He said being a lecturer is a great honour, but the low salaries have thwarted the passions of many graduates who would like to teach in universities.

The don, who said he does not want to jeopardise his job by speaking to the media about the sensitive issue of salaries, is one of the fortunate few who have managed to stay.

But even so, he admits that the lure of better opportunities abroad or in other sectors is tempting. The root of this exodus lies in the inadequate remuneration that fails to match the dedication and expertise of these educators.

"Many Tanzanian scholars are teaching at foreign universities. They went to study, then performed well and were retained. It's not out of preference but the benefits that make them live far from their homes," he explained.

Another academic from Udom shared under the condition of anonymity, "Imagine spending years obtaining a PhD, only to earn a salary that barely covers basic living expenses."

"It's demoralising. Many of us have families to support, and the financial pressure is immense. I have applied for a teaching opportunity in the UK, hopefully, it will be a success.”

The numbers paint a grim picture. The average monthly salary for a university professor in Tanzania hovers around Sh2.5 million (approximately USD 1,080). This figure is starkly lower compared to their counterparts in other African countries, not to mention those in the developed world.

This disparity not only affects their standard of living but also hinders their ability to conduct meaningful research, attend international conferences, and stay updated with advancements in their fields.

READ: Low pay drives Tanzania's lecturers to consulting work: Part III

The repercussions of this brain drain are manifold. Universities are losing experienced educators, which in turn affects the quality of education.

"When senior professors leave, they take with them years of experience and mentorship that are irreplaceable," noted a young lecturer who has witnessed many of his mentors depart at Mzumbe University.

"The void they leave behind is profound, affecting both students and remaining staff."

This situation has since led the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) to establish a system of providing incentives to their lecturers who conduct research and publish in renowned international journals, as well as attract funding from abroad.

Every year, UDSM holds a Research Week where lecturers who have been sponsored to conduct research can compete, and the winners are awarded a cash prize.

"This is one way to motivate lecturers who are indeed struggling financially,” a senior quality assurance officer, Dr Amos Mtebe said.

“The primary job of a lecturer, which they should be paid for, is teaching and conducting research, not side hustles."

According to the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of research, Prof Nelson Boniface, UDSM has been allocating more than Sh3 billion for research, establishing itself as the research hub of the country.

"This is one of the strategies to encourage our lecturers to conduct research that benefits both the community and the university. It also helps them secure funding for their other research projects and improve their livelihoods as well," he said.

Moreover, the departure of the academics, experts say, disrupts ongoing research projects, many of which are crucial for the country's development. "We've had promising research abruptly end because the lead researchers left for better opportunities," noted the don from UDOM. "It's a tragic waste of potential and resources."

Which way out?

To cope with the financial strain, some professors take on additional jobs, often unrelated to their field of expertise.

This not only diverts their focus from academia but also leads to burnout. "I know colleagues who do dissertations for students just to make ends meet," he revealed. "It's not sustainable. It's not right."

The government and university administrations are not blind to this issue. There have been discussions and proposals to increase salaries and improve working conditions, reveals a top leader at UDOM.

However, implementation has been slow, and the promises often remain unfulfilled. "We hear the same promises year after year. We here lawmakers cementing on the issue every year,” he lamented. "But without action, they are just empty words."

Despite these challenges, the resilience and dedication of Tanzanian professors remain commendable. They continue to inspire and educate the next generation, even as they grapple with financial insecurity.

"Many lecturers are struggling but they cannot speak out. In countries like Kenya, university lecturers and professors have been protesting and striking until their salaries are increased, but here they cannot," noted Dr Thomas Jabir, an expert in education matters.

“But for how long can this dedication endure without tangible support?”

Addressing this issue requires a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, substantial salary increments are imperative to retain and attract talent. Additionally, providing research grants and funding for professional development can alleviate some of the financial burdens.

As the conversation drew to a close, one don winded: "We love our country and are passionate about teaching. But passion alone cannot feed our families or sustain our research. We need support, and we need it now."