University professors’ exodus to politics: A growing concern for Tanzania’s higher education Part II

Dar es Salaam. In the heart of Tanzania’s premier universities, an unsettling trend is emerging, risking the quality of higher education in the country and the region at large.

Professors and lecturers, once the custodians of knowledge and academic excellence, are increasingly abandoning their posts for the allure of political and government appointments.

The trend as an escape from the harsh conditions of academic life is creating a significant challenge for the country's higher education progress.

The lure of better financial rewards and heightened social status is proving too enticing to resist, raising serious concerns about the future of higher education in the country.

A survey by The Citizen reveals that this trend is not only prevalent, but also accelerating.

Professors and lecturers interviewed confessed that the opportunities to serve the country in politics are avenues they cannot ignore.

One assistant lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) name withheld, encapsulates the sentiment succinctly: “I teach over 1,000 students each year in one classroom, yet my monthly salary barely reaches Sh2.5 million,” he laments.

In stark contrast, a Member of Parliament earns over Sh6 million per month, supplemented by numerous allowances.

“Why wouldn’t I want to become a politician or find any other rewarding niche? Or position me for any government appointment, like a minister earning over Sh5 million?” he queries, with his frustration palpable.

The financial disparity between academic and political careers is glaring, with an academician at the University of Dodoma (UDOM) highlighting the lack of prioritisation for lecturer benefits.

A UDOM scholar who spoke under anonymity explained that despite the Sh3.2 million salary, he takes home less than Sh2 million after taxes and debt servicing.

“Holding the government to account has remained the job of opposition parties, not scholars. As it is, most of us teach just to protect our jobs. If given an appointment opportunity elsewhere, I would take it quickly,” admits the don.

In comparison, neighbouring Kenya and Uganda offer a stark contrast, with universities like Nairobi and Makerere boasting over 400 active professors each, while UDSM struggles with less than 70 as UDOM has less than 50 professors.

This was happening while in Parliament; there were at least eight professors, most of whom were lured from the confines of university lecture rooms.

Looking at the ministerial positions, the Ministry of Education itself has at least three professors, all of whom were once UDSM dons, as other dockets accommodate several former university dons with PhDs.

Even so, the number of professors in Tanzania remains small compared to that of professors at the University of Nairobi alone (450).

Statistics from the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology show that by the year 2022, Tanzania had a total of 226 professors, of whom 163 were associate professors and 63 were full professors.

UDSM’s Vice Chancellor, Prof William Anangisye, says, “The truth is, the number of professors at UDSM and Tanzania is very small compared to other universities such as the University of Nairobi in Kenya.”

He, however, optimistically says discussions were underway with the government to explore the possibility of extending the retirement age for professors to address the disparity.

“Professors in Uganda and Kenya continue until the age of 70, but here, if extended at all, it is only to the age of 60-65. We believe this will be addressed.”

But an Associate Professor at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), who sought to remain anonymous, laments, "To become a professor, I have spent a lot of time and money, but once I achieved the professorship, I don't see the fruits of all the effort I put in. Do you expect there to be motivation to continue teaching the young people?"

This issue has also recently made headlines in Parliament, forcing the Ministry of Education to make a clarification.

Responding to a question from the Muleba South lawmaker (CCM), Dr Oscar Ishengoma, who had wanted to know the number of professors produced annually as compared to the number of those retiring, the Deputy Minister for Education, Science, and Technology, Mr Omary Kipanga, said the increase in the number depends on individual efforts.

He argued that ‘Professor’ is an academic rank that a lecturer or higher education employee achieves in his academic work, including publishing and teaching.

"Therefore, the promotion of an academic depends on the individual's efforts in teaching, conducting research, and publishing their writings in nationally and internationally recognised journals," he told the August House.

He reiterated that the increase in their number depends on individual efforts in performing their duties and the acceptance of these efforts by their academic peers according to established and accepted guidelines.

The regional context

Across the East African Community (EAC), the trend of professors transitioning to politics is raising alarm, with political appointments, for instance, in Kenya, becoming a big lure to academic professionals.

A professor at Egerton University in Kenya, Prof Musa Limo, shares, “The financial incentives in politics are undeniable. Many of us have families to support, and the salary of a professor simply doesn't cut it.”

In Uganda, the situation is somewhat similar. Professors are often lured into governmental roles that offer better compensation and benefits.

“It's a matter of survival and providing for one's family,” says a Ugandan academician at Kampala International University, who spoke on anonymity.

“The university can’t match what the government offers. But for us, universities still accommodate more professors because we have enough,” he notes.

However, experts have warned that the ongoing trend poses significant dangers to the quality of education in the country and the region at large.

A Tanzanian education analyst, Mr Ayub Simbeye, points out, “The brain drain from academia to politics undermines the foundation of our universities. We are losing experienced educators who are irreplaceable in shaping the minds of the next generation.”

A SUA expert, Dr Ernest Nehemia, adds, “The exodus of professors to politics creates a vacuum in our academic institutions. The quality of education deteriorates as the student-to-teacher ratio worsens, and research output declines.”

“The situation is dire. If this trend continues unchecked, Tanzania risks a future where academic excellence is sacrificed at the altar of political ambition,” according to Mr Nehemia.

The government and university administrations must urgently address the root causes of this exodus, said Mr Simbeye who is also an education quality assurance expert.

“Financial incentives, improved working conditions, and better recognition for academic contributions are crucial steps towards retaining talent within the academic sphere,’ he notes.