MAURITIUS: Head of national university to leave

Professor Konrad Morgan (pictured), Vice-chancellor of the University of Mauritius, has announced that he does not wish to extend his contract when it expires in December 2012. One of the reasons behind the impending resignation is the university's failure to recruit two pro vice-chancellors to assist Morgan.

The University of Mauritius, or UoM, has been suffering financial problems due to a budget squeeze. Morgan had warned, shortly after his nomination as vice-chancellor, that he would not be able to meet everybody's expectations.

"I have a very limited budget. There are already restrictions placed on what the university can do or not do. We must be realistic," he said at the time.

Morgan said this month he would ensure that his reorganisation plan for the university is implemented. The plan, which aims to give more administrative power to faculties and departments, was recently approved by the university's board.

An administrative unit will be created, dedicated to ensuring UoM's financial independence.

When Konrad Morgan arrived at the university in 2010, he revealed a set of objectives. They focused on highlighting research being conducted at UoM and developing a more resource-intensive teaching approach. He also emphasised communication, which he considered to be weak at the university.

"There has been a tendency for the university not to share a lot of its very good work with the outside community," Morgan noted.

Since Morgan took over leadership of the Réduit campus, standards at the institution have reportedly gradually improved. "He has done a very good job since his arrival. And there's a lot more to do. Hopefully, he will be able to achieve his goals before his contract ends", said one UoM lecturer, who did not want to be named.