Zimbabwe MPs Push for Law to Regulate Honorary Doctorates

Zimbabwean lawmakers are pushing for legislation to stop individuals and non-academic organisations from awarding honorary doctorates, arguing that the practice is undermining the credibility and integrity of the country’s higher education system.

The motion, moved in the National Assembly by Chivi Central MP Exevia Maoneke and seconded by Masvingo MP Naledi Lindarose Maunganidze, calls for the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development to develop a policy restricting the awarding of honorary degrees to accredited universities. The issue is already listed among matters debated by Parliament, with parliamentary records confirming that the award of honorary degrees by non-academic bodies is before the National Assembly.

Maoneke said honorary doctorates were traditionally intended to recognise exceptional achievement, public service and contributions to society. However, he said the growing number of non-academic organisations awarding honorary titles was creating confusion and weakening the meaning of the title “Dr”.

“We have witnessed the proliferation of non-academic entities that issue such honours, often devoid of any legitimate scholarly evaluation.”

He said the practice could undermine academic integrity, create opportunities for corruption where titles are allegedly exchanged for money or favours, and devalue qualifications earned through years of formal study.

“My proposal, Madam Speaker, is that we take legislative action to abolish the issuance of honorary doctorates by non-academic institutions and by individuals,” Maoneke said.

Calls for ZIMCHE oversight

Seconding the motion, Maunganidze said honorary doctorates should remain rare and prestigious distinctions reserved for people who demonstrate exceptional excellence and service. She argued that universities awarding honorary degrees should operate within recognised academic quality assurance systems.

“This motion is not about limiting the recognition of distinguished citizens,” Maunganidze said. “It is about preserving the dignity of one of academia’s highest honours.”

She proposed that the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education (ZIMCHE) should play a central role in developing national guidelines governing honorary degrees.

The proposed framework could include transparent nomination procedures, eligibility criteria and ethical standards aligned with international practice. The push comes amid wider efforts to strengthen quality assurance in Zimbabwe’s higher and tertiary education sector. Parliament maintains a dedicated quality assurance function and publishes Hansard records and parliamentary proceedings as part of its oversight role.

Parliament to continue debate

The proposed reforms would not prevent Zimbabwe from recognising prominent citizens, Maunganidze said, but would establish clearer boundaries around who has the authority to confer an honorary academic qualification. The debate also raises questions about the distinction between honorary doctorates and earned doctoral degrees. An honorary doctorate recognises achievement or service and does not represent completion of a doctoral research programme.

Parliament has not yet passed a law banning honorary doctorates from non-academic organisations. The current proposal remains at the parliamentary motion and policy-discussion stage, with debate expected to continue. The Speaker adjourned debate to next Tuesday to allow other MPs to contribute to the discussion. If adopted, the proposed framework could significantly change how honorary doctorates are awarded in Zimbabwe, while strengthening university accreditation, academic quality assurance and public confidence in higher education qualifications.

Honorary doctorates in Zimbabwe