[SDI-Africa] University of Zimbabwe cancels Geoinformatics Programme as lecturers desert

[Kate Lance]

http://allafrica.com/stories/printable/200709060982.html
University of Zimbabwe cancels Geoinformatics Programme as lecturers desert
Two key science degree programmes have been struck off the University of Zimbabwe (UZ) faculties list following the mass exodus of lecturers for greener pastures. 
The departments of Geoinformatics and Survey and the Metallurgy programme have become the latest casualties of the crumbling of the UZ, where tutors are deserting en masse for better paying occupations within the southern African region and abroad. In another worrying development, faculties are said to be reporting less than 30% registration of new students for offered places. Pressing economic conditions in the country have deterred many from proceeding with their studies at tertiary institutions. 
Sources at the university said that fears are widespread that the Medicine and Engineering departments may be the next in line to disappear. 
"The stopping of the department of Geoinformatics and Survey programme is likely to be received as shattering news by the government," said a lecturer who refused to be named for fear of victimisation. 
"There are hardly any surveyors left in public service. Most UZ Geoinformatics and Survey graduates start roving the sub region as consultants even before completing their UZ programme. We understand that the current parliament session is expected to amend the Surveyor General's Act to enable undergraduate students to work as surveyors and help in the issuing of title deeds to A2 farmers. This means that there wont be any undergraduate students to talk about in three years!" 
 
[Source: allafrica.com, SW Radio Africa (London), September 6, 2007]


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