adminPaul Pindani in CHINHOYI
CHINHOYI University of Technology (CUT) is reeling from an exodus of lecturers in search for greener pastures.
This was revealed by the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor David Simbi, during the 18th graduation ceremony, on Friday.
Prof Simbi said it was sad to note that the brain drain, which previously hit the education sector in 2006, 2009 and 2020, had resurfaced.
He said since January 2020, 19 lecturers, among them 14 PhD holders and professors, had left the institution.
Prof Simbi said lack of accommodation was a major problem which the lecturers and students were facing.
“While the community has been very helpful in providing private accommodation, this has now come at a great cost as most of them require rentals in US dollars.
“It has become difficult to attract academic staff, as they would be having accommodation elsewhere, and not in Chinhoyi,” he said.
Prof Simbi bemoaned the low uptake of science, technology, engineering and mathematics programmes at postgraduate level.
He, however, said the university has lured students from other African countries.
“The university has admitted students, in both undergraduate and postgraduate levels from Nigeria, South Sudan, South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana and Angola,” he said.
President Mnangagwa capped 2 804 students.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter