Mass exodus hits Chinhoyi University as 21 professor resign

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A NEW wave of brain drain has hit higher and tertiary learning institutions, with a total of 21 professors and other support staff leaving Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT) in one academic year.

Simbi said: “The university is grateful to the government for the salary adjustments effected during the course of the year.

“Unfortunately, several academic and support staff had already bolted away. The institution lost six professors, four PhD holders and several academics to make a total of 21 in the course of the academic year, this is a big dent chancellor.”

Simbi was addressing 2 436 graduands and other dignitaries during CUT’s 17th graduation ceremony held Friday by the institution’s Chancellor, President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Vice chancellor Simbi lamented professors and other experienced tutors even shunned working part-time at CUT due to its remote location.

“Our being far away from major metropolitan centres makes us less attractive to part-time lecturers. Part-time professors and lecturers are less keen to participate in practical work with students. They just want to deliver lectures, mark exam papers and go home,” said Simbi.

He called for an improvement of lecturers’ salaries and working conditions to compete with regional universities and colleges.

“My appeal is for us to reach regional parity inorder to stem this new wave of brain drain, hence our appeal to you, sir.”

The hybrid graduation ceremony saw 127 graduands physically attending the event while the rest were awarded their degrees, and followed proceedings on virtual media platforms.

Thirteen graduands were conferred PhDs with 591 others graduating with masters’ degrees.

Among the highlights of the event was the conferment of an honorary doctorate degree in Agricultural Sciences and Technology to renowned farmer, Tinashe Ziki of Hybery farm, Lion’s Den, Chinhoyi.

In his acceptance speech, Ziki expressed shock for his recognition.

“This award comes as a surprise to me. The honour you bestowed on me will not be taken for granted. I further commit myself to all farmers who seek guidance to ensure Zimbabwe achieves food security in line with vision 2030,” he said.

For her sterling efforts, Chipo Zvavamwe, who was conferred with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Production and Technology degree received US$1 000 after scooping the overall best graduating student award.