The Acting Vice Chancellor of the State University of Zanzibar (SUZA), Prof. Abdi Talib Abdalla, has announced that the University is reviewing guidelines for academic staff promotions in order to accelerate research activities and journal publications at the institution.
Speaking to academic staff from SUZA’s Schools and Departments including directors of undergraduate and postgraduate programs during a meeting held at SUZA headquarters in Tunguu, South Unguja Region, on November 27, 2025, Prof. Abdalla said the move is expected to build a culture of research and overcome challenges that hinder the achievement of set goals.
He added that the University has many responsibilities that will enable it to be recognized, such as providing consultancy services, publishing journals, exhibitions and conducting research.
“We want to elevate the ranks of our academics and ensure the University’s image is well recognized both locally and internationally,” said Prof. Abdalla.
He further urged academic staff to write, publish, and share their work by exchanging experiences through the Google Scholars platform, emphasizing that every staff member must join.
“Only about 40 to 50 academics less than 10 percent have joined Google Scholars, while the University requires 100 percent registration,” Prof. Talib noted.
He also encouraged staff to expand postgraduate programs beyond the existing PhD in Kiswahili by introducing more programs in Science, Technology, and Social Sciences to increase research output and journal publications.
“One PhD program in Kiswahili is not enough. We need others in Science, Technology, and Social Sciences—then we can have many publications,” he stressed.
Additionally, he cautioned that many academics spend their time as ordinary employees instead of being in their offices to read dissertations and write publications that would enhance their skills and contribute to journals.
On the execution of duties in the examinations section, he emphasized that everyone must work according to the schedule, warning that anyone who fails will be required to explain the reasons for not completing their tasks on time.
He also encouraged the staff by noting that the leadership is preparing training in every sector and invited them to present challenges that hinder efficiency in their work.
SUZA’s academic staff welcomed the strategies and recommended the creation of a more supportive working environment to achieve the expected goals.