In October 2023, Professor Amon Murwira, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education Innovation Science and Technology Development, emphasized the importance of education in fostering entrepreneurship and local development. He argued against the concept of “brain drain,” advocating instead for “brain circulation,” where individuals trained in Zimbabwe contribute either locally or abroad. Murwira’s vision focuses on creating a conducive policy environment that enables graduates to start enterprises and contribute to national development, rather than leaving due to a lack of opportunities.
Context and Background: The Cost of Accessing Education
To understand the challenges faced by Zimbabwean students, consider the financial burden of tertiary education at the University of Zimbabwe between August 2016 and December 2020. For students in faculties such as Arts and Humanities, Commerce, Education, and Social Studies, the cost included US$503 per semester in tuition and US$450 per semester for accommodation. Additional monthly expenses of US$200 for necessities brought the total semester cost to US$1,553. With two semesters per year, the annual expense was US$3,106. Over a typical four-year course, this amounted to US$12,412, not accounting for inflation and fluctuations in currency exchange rates.
Given this financial strain, students and their families are left questioning whether the investment in higher education is justified, especially in light of economic instability and fluctuating exchange rates.
Return on Investment: Employment and Salary
For a student who spent US$12,412 on their education, an ideal return on investment would be a monthly salary of US$1,034, calculated by dividing the total cost by 12 months. However, the average salary in Zimbabwe as of November 2023 is significantly lower, at around US$230. Salaries in micro-enterprises average US$140, in small businesses US$320, and in the public sector US$180. With an official unemployment rate of 7.94% and most employed individuals working in the informal sector, the return on investment is far from satisfactory.
A graduate earning US$300 per month would need approximately 41.3 months, or over 3.5 years, to recoup their educational expenses. This reality makes many question whether investing in local tertiary education provides a reasonable return, given the high costs and low salaries.
Alternative Investment Options
An alternative to local education is investing in foreign markets or acquiring additional qualifications abroad. For instance, a graduate might consider pursuing a Nurse Aid Course and Certificate of Sponsorship in the UK, costing between US$4,434 and US$8,869. When combined with the original educational expenses, this investment totals around US$17,412. Working in the UK typically offers a salary significantly higher than the average in Zimbabwe, making the overall investment in education and additional qualifications potentially more worthwhile.
Recommendations
Advocate for Reduced Tertiary Education Fees
Given the high costs of tertiary education, there is a pressing need to advocate for reduced fees. Forming civic groups composed of students, parents/guardians, and Student Representative Councils (SRC) could be a strategy to address this issue. These groups can lobby for lower fees and improved financial support systems from the government. By working with university officials and government ministries, such as the Ministry of Finance and Investment Promotion and the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, these groups can push for more affordable education and transparent financial policies.
2. Push for Economic and Social Reforms
Students, unemployed graduates, and underpaid workers should advocate for economic and social reforms that create a more favorable employment environment. This includes pushing for policies that support a liberal employment market, offer fair wages, and improve job opportunities. Activism should focus on creating inclusive economic policies that benefit all citizens, regardless of their socio-economic background.
- 3. Engage in Civic Advocacy
The formation of civic groups to advocate for educational and economic reforms is crucial. These groups should work to reduce the cost of education, push for more job opportunities, and ensure that economic policies are inclusive and accountable. Advocacy efforts should address the structural issues in Zimbabwe’s economy that lead to low salaries and high costs of living.
Conclusion
The high cost of tertiary education in Zimbabwe poses significant challenges for students and their families. With the financial burden and low returns on investment, many are questioning whether the cost of education is justified. Exploring alternative investment options, such as qualifications abroad, may offer better financial returns. To address these issues, students and their supporters must advocate for reduced educational fees and economic reforms to create a more equitable and productive environment. Engaging in advocacy and activism can help drive the changes needed to make tertiary education a more viable and rewarding investment.
