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Tanzania seeks foreign expertise to address professor shortage in universities-8
What you need to know:
- A series of investigative articles by The Citizen revealed a concerning trend of academics leaving their posts, creating a heavy burden on remaining staff and hindering educational quality.
Dar es Salaam. The government of Tanzania has laid out a comprehensive strategy to tackle the alarming shortage of university professors, which has been hampering the country’s higher education sector.
This initiative includes granting permits for professors from other countries to come and teach in Tanzania, a move aimed at 'internationalisation' to fill the gaps left by the dwindling number of local professors.
This response follows a series of investigative articles by The Citizen that shed light on the critical shortage of professors and lecturers in Tanzanian universities. The series, under the title "Starving Professors’ Tale," revealed that many academics have left their teaching posts for political careers or other opportunities, often without replacements being made.
This has placed a heavy burden on the remaining staff, who struggle to manage large classes and maintain educational standards.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, Prof Carolyne Nombo, acknowledged the shortage and outlined the government's plan to mitigate the issue.
"It is true that there is a shortage, and the government is implementing various efforts to reduce this shortage, which will decrease through the ‘internationalisation’ of lecturers and other experts from different countries to collaborate with us in providing education and conducting research,” she said.
She was speaking during the opening of the 12th Scientific Conference at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) on June 27, 2024.
When comparing Tanzania’s situation to neighbouring countries, the disparity becomes stark. For instance, the University of Nairobi in Kenya boasts over 450 professors, and Makerere University in Uganda has a similar number.
In contrast, the University of Dar es Salaam has less than 50 professors.
The shortage is exacerbated by the continuous exit of professors seeking better opportunities or entering politics due to meagre salaries and a lack of motivation in their teaching roles.
Education expert Dr Thomas Jabir praised the government's internationalisation plan but emphasised the need to also address local lecturers' welfare.
"I understand that a lecturer from abroad will need to be paid as much or more than they are paid at their home institution. Therefore, in that same vein, the government should now look at the welfare of local lecturers, especially regarding salaries and research funds," he said.
A Special Seats MP, Dr Tea Ntala, echoed this sentiment in Parliament recently, highlighting the urgent need for more professors.
“At present, we have 93 professors in the country who are approaching retirement age at 70, yet we have not developed others. I suggest we extend the retirement age and ensure we bring in more from abroad,” she said, advocating for both international recruitment and the better development of local talent.
Countries facing similar challenges have adopted various strategies to maintain the quality of education.
For example, in Kenya, universities have established partnerships with international institutions, allowing for faculty exchange programmes that bring diverse expertise to local students.
This not only fills teaching gaps but also enhances the educational experience by introducing different perspectives.
In Uganda, Makerere University has implemented a mentorship programme where experienced professors guide junior staff, ensuring a continuous pipeline of qualified lecturers.
This programme has been successful in retaining young academics and reducing turnover.
To ensure the success of the internationalisation plan, Tanzania must create an attractive environment for foreign professors. This involves not only competitive salaries but also providing adequate research funding and professional development opportunities.
Moreover, the government should consider extending retirement ages and offering incentives for local academics to stay in their teaching roles.
Additionally, establishing exchange programmes and partnerships with universities abroad can provide a sustainable way to enhance the quality of education.
Encouraging young Tanzanians to pursue academic careers through scholarships and mentorship programmes can also help build a robust local faculty.
The government's acknowledgment of the problem and the steps being taken are positive signs.
However, the success of these initiatives will depend on their implementation and their commitment to improving conditions for both local and international professors.
