Job Sikhala has raised alarm over what he describes as the declining standards and credibility of degrees awarded by the University of Zimbabwe (UZ).
In a strongly worded statement on X (formerly Twitter), Sikhala warned that the institution risks being viewed on par with “fake online degrees” if urgent action is not taken.
Sikhala accused both UZ authorities and the government of “maladministration” and failing to address genuine concerns from lecturers over poor remuneration.
He further alleged that the crisis has led to the hiring of “bogus lecturers from the streets” and politicised teaching staff, likening them to those from the Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology.
To address the crisis, Sikhala outlined a five-point action plan:
1. Independent Inquiry – Establish a commission to investigate the root causes of UZ’s current challenges.
2. Reinstatement of Staff – Bring back all dismissed and suspended lecturers without conditions.
3. Salary Review – Increase wages to meet lecturers’ demands.
4. Forensic Audit – Conduct a detailed audit of UZ finances to expose any corruption or misuse of funds.
5. Depoliticisation – Stop politicising staff grievances, which also affect non-academic employees.
“The dignity and proper standards the university used to be known for must be restored,” Sikhala declared, urging all UZ alumni and Zimbabweans at large to join the push for reforms.
