UDSM eyes research, faculty growth to climb world stage

Dar es Salaam. Despite the controversies surrounding global university ranking methodologies, the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) commits to elevating its status on the global stage by embracing the criteria set forth by various ranking agencies.

In the ever-evolving academic landscape, the quest for recognition and excellence remains paramount for universities worldwide, and UDSM is well aware of the importance of internationalisation.

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Addressing the complexities surrounding global university rankings on April 9, 2024, UDSM’s Deputy Vice Chancellor-Research, Prof Nelson Boniface, emphasised the importance of focusing on key criteria to achieve success.

“The criterion of the quantity and quality of academics is the main pillar for achieving success,” he asserted.

He added that, as a result, UDSM made a strategic investment in enhancing its human resources, as evidenced by a notable increase in academic staff from 1,257 as seen in the 2023 Parliamentary Committee reports to 1,385 in the current statistics.

UDSM’s emphasis on research excellence stands out as a cornerstone of its strategy, he noted.

With substantial financial investments totalling Sh10.5 billion over five consecutive years, the university has witnessed significant advancements in research output, resulting in numerous academic promotions.

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Prof Boniface highlighted this success, stating, “Investment in research has shown significant results, with 59 academics being promoted in the year 2023 alone.” The decision to engage with ranking agencies despite their inconsistencies and controversies reflected UDSM’s proactive approach to navigating the challenges of the global higher education landscape.

“The commitment of UDSM to strengthen and continually enhance its quality is evidenced by its participation in these rankings,” Prof Boniface affirmed. “This aligns with the university’s vision to excel internationally while addressing existing challenges.”

However, the debate surrounding the legitimacy and implications of global university rankings persists. An expert in educational development, Dr Alex Nakajumo, acknowledged the nuances of the ranking system. “What is happening is simply business like any other,” he stated.

Despite acknowledging the limitations of rankings, Dr Nakajumo insisted on the importance of international recognition for Tanzanian universities, urging them to strive for excellence within the established criteria.

UDSM’s decision to engage with global rankings is not without scrutiny. Experts convened by the United Nations University International Institute for Global Health caution against the overreliance on rankings, citing conceptual flaws and the perpetuation of inequalities.

Nevertheless, UDSM remains steadfast in its pursuit of international recognition, viewing rankings as a means to benchmark institutional capabilities and adaptability to systemic changes.

Critics argue that ranking agencies, predominantly private for-profit entities, lack transparency in their methodologies and may perpetuate a narrow understanding of academic excellence.

Despite these criticisms, the influence of rankings persists, shaping perceptions of institutional prestige and attracting students, donors, and researchers. “With the advancement of technology, we cannot sit back and relax, yet we need international students in our universities. We therefore have to participate in the very controversial rankings,” argued Dr Nakajumo.

UDSM’s strategy to using global rankings as a strategic instrument for growth highlights the complicated interplay between institutional goals, methodological criticisms, and the larger socioeconomic landscape of higher education. “As our universities continue their journey towards global prominence, navigating the intricacies of rankings will remain a central theme, guided by a steadfast commitment to excellence and innovation,” he said.

Experts said that UDSM’s stance to leverage global university rankings reflects a pragmatic approach to enhancing its international standing. A former academic, Dr Thomas Mwanzalima, noted that by strategically investing in academic resources, research excellence, and international visibility, the university will transcend the limitations of rankings while capitalising on their potential benefits.

“As the higher education landscape evolves, UDSM’s proactive engagement with rankings exemplifies its commitment to continuous improvement and global relevance. We should encourage other local universities to leverage the international ranking criteria to improve performance and outlook,” he said.