MSU dismisses nine lecturers over examination errors

By Southerton Business Times | Midlands, Zimbabwe

MIDLANDS STATE UNIVERSITY (MSU) has reportedly dismissed nine lecturers from its Department of Media, Communication, Film and Theatre Arts following disciplinary proceedings over alleged examination irregularities and professional misconduct. The lecturers were reportedly accused of gross incompetence, including setting examination papers containing errors, failing to correct the mistakes, and allegedly not attending examination sessions for papers they had set.

MSU acting director of marketing and communications Kudakwashe Bhowa neither confirmed nor denied the dismissals when contacted for comment, saying the matter was confidential.

“Thank you for the inquiry. These are private contractual and human resources matters between the university and the individuals concerned,” Bhowa said.

“Consequently, in accordance with our duty of confidentiality and institutional policy, the university does not comment publicly on individual staffing affairs.”

However, sources familiar with the matter said 13 lecturers were initially charged and brought before a disciplinary hearing, with nine subsequently dismissed.

The allegations reportedly centre on errors contained in examination question papers prepared by some of the lecturers. According to one source, an examination paper contained a contradictory instruction requiring candidates to answer all questions in Section B and all three questions in Section B, rather than instructing students to answer all questions in Section A and three questions in Section B.

“The question papers were found to contain numerous errors. Furthermore, some lecturers were absent from the examination venue during the sitting of their respective papers, contrary to university regulations, which make attendance compulsory,” the source said.

“There was also a failure to address the mistakes in a timely manner.”

The alleged errors have raised questions about examination quality control at Midlands State University, particularly the procedures used to review and approve examination papers before they are administered to students.

Examination papers typically undergo academic and administrative checks designed to ensure that instructions are clear, accurate and consistent with the assessment requirements. Errors in examination instructions can potentially affect how students interpret and answer questions. The sources said the lecturers were subjected to disciplinary proceedings before the university reached its decision to dismiss nine of them. It was not immediately clear whether the affected lecturers intend to challenge the dismissals through the university's internal appeals procedures or other available legal channels.

The reported dismissals come at a time when universities face increasing scrutiny over academic standards, assessment integrity and the quality of teaching and learning. MSU, one of Zimbabwe's major public universities, has not publicly disclosed the identities of the affected lecturers or the specific disciplinary findings against them. The university's position is that individual staffing matters are private and confidential.

Southerton Business Times could not independently verify the full disciplinary record or establish whether all nine dismissals have been formally communicated to the affected lecturers. The lecturers are also entitled to respond to the allegations against them. As of publication, no detailed statement had been issued by MSU explaining whether the examination papers in question affected students' results or whether any remedial measures were taken.

The reported case highlights the importance of accurate examination papers, lecturer attendance and academic quality assurance in Zimbabwean universities, particularly where errors could potentially affect students' assessment outcomes.

MSU lecturers dismissed