A University of Zimbabwe lecturer has filed an urgent High Court application to stop the institution’s August 15 graduation ceremony, citing serious irregularities in exam results caused by a lecturers’ strike. Dr Phillemon M. Chamburuka, representing the Association of University Teachers, argues that the university is rushing to award degrees despite widespread academic flaws, including poorly taught courses and compromised assessments. He is demanding an independent forensic audit of the 2024–2025 second semester before any qualifications are conferred.
Court papers reveal a confidential Senate report detailing major lapses in teaching, supervision, and examination procedures. These include inconsistent project marking, ignored invigilation standards, and skipped grade moderation. A memo from the Pro-Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs acknowledged “serious gaps” in the academic cycle but recommended proceeding with exams to preserve the calendar. Discrepancies in final marks and moderated scores have also raised concerns about the integrity of the results.
The University of Zimbabwe Students Union and the Council of Social Work have both warned that issuing degrees under these conditions could damage the institution’s reputation and lead to unqualified graduates entering professional fields. Dr Chamburuka says repeated efforts to engage university officials were ignored, prompting the legal action. The case is awaiting a hearing date, and university authorities have yet to respond publicly.
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