Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Zimeye
Published on 2024-03-11 15:35:51
The Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education (ZIMCHE) recently made headlines for exposing the International Institute of Philanthropy (IIP) for issuing fake honorary degrees. This revelation has sparked controversy and raised concerns about the integrity of higher education in Zimbabwe.
ZIMCHE, which is responsible for accrediting and registering higher education institutions and programs in the country, stated that IIP is not authorized to award degrees in Zimbabwe as it is not a registered higher education institution. The council has demanded that IIP immediately withdraw all the degrees it has issued to individuals, citing violations of the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 20) Act, 2013.
In a strongly worded statement, ZIMCHE emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that the actions of IIP undermine the integrity of the entire higher education system in Zimbabwe. The council warned the public against using titles awarded by unregistered institutions like IIP and stressed that the degrees conferred by IIP are not recognized in Zimbabwe.
The scandal surrounding IIP became more controversial when it was revealed that the institution had conferred honorary degrees on individuals with questionable backgrounds, including fraudster Dilesh Nguwaya and Midlands-based Zanu PF’s G40 Queen-pin Smelly Dube. These revelations have further fueled the outrage and calls for accountability in the education sector.
In response to the expose, ZIMCHE has instructed IIP to publicly withdraw all awarded degrees and inform the recipients accordingly. The council is adamant about upholding the standards and regulations that govern the higher education sector in Zimbabwe, and is determined to take action against any entity that disregards these laws.
The revelation of IIP’s fraudulent activities serves as a stark reminder of the importance of ensuring the credibility and legitimacy of educational qualifications. It highlights the need for stringent oversight and monitoring of institutions that award degrees to prevent the proliferation of fake credentials and uphold the reputation of the education sector.
Moving forward, ZIMCHE’s crackdown on IIP is a step in the right direction towards restoring public trust in the higher education system in Zimbabwe. By holding accountable institutions that engage in malpractices and deceitful activities, the council is sending a clear message that integrity and quality assurance are non-negotiable principles in the pursuit of education.
As the investigation into IIP continues and measures are taken to address the situation, it is crucial for all stakeholders in the education sector to remain vigilant and committed to upholding the standards of excellence and credibility in higher education. Ultimately, the exposure of IIP serves as a wake-up call for the entire education community to prioritize integrity and transparency in their practices.
Read the original article on The Zimbabwe Eye
