UZ Lecturer Seeks Court Injunction to Halt August 15 Graduation

University of Zimbabwe

Reporter In an unprecedented legal challenge, a University of Zimbabwe (UZ) lecturer has approached the High Court seeking to block the institution’s 44th Graduation Ceremony, set for August 15.

Dr. Phillemon Chamburuka, representing the Association of University Teachers (AUT), argues the university is preparing to confer degrees based on compromised exam results following months of academic disruption caused by a prolonged lecturers’ strike. According to court filings, examinations were allegedly conducted, marked, and moderated without adherence to standard academic protocols. Key issues include lapses in invigilation, compromised moderation standards, and irregularities in teaching supervision and grading consistency. A confidential Senate report reportedly confirmed these flaws, while a May 27 memo from a Pro-Vice Chancellor admitted “major gaps” in teaching and assessment but still recommended proceeding with exams to maintain the academic calendar.

In his affidavit, Chamburuka warned:

“The rights of both students and the integrity of the university’s academic programmes are under grave threat. To proceed with graduation under these circumstances will irreparably prejudice graduates whose qualifications may later be invalidated.”

The lecturers’ strike, which began on April 16, was triggered by salary erosion due to hyperinflation. The AUT accuses the UZ administration of reducing the institution to a “degree printing machine,” likening the upcoming graduation to a “pizza delivery service” where degrees can be obtained without academic merit. Students remain divided. Some have attempted independent study during the disruption, while others—such as the chairperson of the Zimbabwe National Students Union’s Harare chapter—criticised the use of inexperienced contract lecturers to fill gaps, citing a loss of instructional quality and academic continuity.

The High Court application seeks three remedies:

1. Immediate suspension of all graduation preparations

2. An independent forensic audit of the 2024–2025 second semester’s academic processes

3. A ban on conferring any degrees until the audit findings are made public

If the court rules in favour of the application, thousands of students could face indefinite delays in receiving their degrees. If rejected, the UZ risks further erosion of public trust in Zimbabwe’s higher education system and potential damage to its academic reputation.