ZIMCHE warns against use of fake academic titles

Source: The Herald – Breaking news.

Trust Freddy, Herald Correspondent

THE Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education (ZIMCHE) has sternly warned individuals using fraudulent qualifications or titles, advising them to cease immediately to avoid potential legal consequences, including civil and criminal prosecution.

The alert follows the emergence of numerous unregistered institutions unlawfully conferring fraudulent degrees, including undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications.

Investigations have identified over 12 unregistered institutions issuing bogus degrees.

Zimbabwe officially recognises only 21 registered universities and two intergovernmental institutions.

In a statement yesterday, ZIMCHE directed the unregistered entities to halt operations and withdraw all fraudulent qualifications.

“In this regard, unregistered institutions are unequivocally warned to cease operations immediately and desist from issuing any degrees,” ZIMCHE said.

Recipients of the fraudulent qualifications are strongly urged to stop using them or face legal repercussions.

ZIMCHE highlighted the ongoing defiance of the law by some institutions, which continue to enrol students and issue fraudulent degrees.

“Of particular concern is the use of false titles such as ‘Professor’ or ‘Doctor’ by officials from these institutions and by recipients of these dubious qualifications,” said ZIMCHE.

ZIMCHE, as the regulatory authority under The ZIMCHE Act, is initiating investigations into these fraudulent activities to safeguard the integrity of Zimbabwe’s higher education system.

Legal action will be taken against the institutions and individuals involved in academic fraud.

The public is urged to verify the accreditation status of institutions with ZIMCHE before enrolling in any programmes.

Employers are also encouraged to authenticate qualifications presented by prospective employees.

The public has also been advised to remain vigilant against unregistered institutions, some of which frequently change locations to evade detection. Many of these institutions are not owned by Zimbabweans and may falsely claim affiliation with unaccredited international universities.

Some of the flagged institutions include the International Institute of Philanthropy, Faith in God Ministries International – Goshen International Bible College, Apostolos University, Global University, Carmel Bible Theological Institute, Mount Camel Institute of Business Intelligence, Mount Hermon Theological Seminary, Faith World Bible, African Leadership Institute, Global Shepherds Bible Institute in collaboration with EI Shaddai Theological Seminary, and Reach the World International Bible College.

ZIMCHE asserts that any institution not listed among the registered universities is operating unlawfully, and degrees from these institutions are not recognised in Zimbabwe.