Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Zimeye
Published on 2024-03-12 09:12:01
The recent revelation of the International Institute of Philanthropy (IIP) issuing fake honorary degrees has cast a shadow over the legacy of the late music icon Oliver Mtukudzi. In 2014, Tuku was honored by IIP with an Honorary Doctorate in Human Letters (DHL). However, this week, the government, through the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education (ZIMCHE), exposed IIP for not being authorized to award degrees in Zimbabwe as it is not a registered higher education institution.
ZIMCHE has demanded that IIP withdraw all degrees it issued, including the honorary PhD conferred to Mtukudzi. The Zimbabwe chapter representative of IIP, Dr. Enrico Sibanda, had praised Tuku for his contributions to Zimbabwean arts and culture, stating that the recognition was long overdue. He highlighted Tuku’s influence and impact both locally and internationally, emphasizing the need to refer to him as Dr. Mtukudzi rather than just Oliver.
It has come to light that IIP has bestowed honorary degrees on various individuals, including controversial figures like fraudster Dilesh Nguwaya and Zanu PF’s G40 Queen-pin Smelly Dube. Additionally, businessmen and public figures such as Eric Francis Niyonsaba (Kambucha Beverages Director) and Mudiwahood have also been recipients of honorary PhDs from IIP.
The discrediting of IIP raises questions about the credibility of honorary degrees conferred by the institution and the legitimacy of the qualifications obtained through such means. It also raises concerns about the accountability and quality assurance mechanisms in place for awarding degrees in Zimbabwe.
While the honoring of individuals for their contributions and achievements is important, it is crucial that such recognition is done through legitimate and accredited institutions to maintain the integrity of academic qualifications. The government’s intervention in exposing IIP’s fraudulent practices underscores the importance of upholding standards and ensuring that educational credentials are valid and trustworthy.
As the fallout from the IIP controversy continues to unfold, it serves as a cautionary tale about the risks associated with receiving honorary degrees from unaccredited institutions. The legacy of Tuku, along with others who received honorary degrees from IIP, is now tainted by the shadow of illegitimacy cast by the revelations of fake degrees.
In conclusion, the exposure of IIP’s fraudulent activities serves as a reminder of the importance of due diligence and scrutiny when it comes to academic qualifications, especially honorary degrees. It highlights the need for transparency, accountability, and adherence to established standards in the awarding of degrees to ensure the credibility and integrity of educational achievements.
Read the original article on The Zimbabwe Eye
