Govt Speaks On Grace Mugabe's PhD Scandal, Urges Dialogue Between UZ Boss, Lecturers

The Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development, Professor Amon Murwira has spoken on the issue of former first lady Grace Mugabe’s PhD scandal for the first time. Murwira has urged dialogue between University of Zimbabwe (UZ) vice chancellor Professor Levi Nyagura and lecturers from the Department of Sociology.

Murwira has also advised the lecturers to follow laid down procedure to resolve the issue. Said Professor Murwira:

If people are genuine in solving this issue, they should follow the correct procedures which are clearly spelt out in the general academic regulations. We want discussions to go on and we want people to freely express their views without fear or favour.

Prof Murwira said irregularities must be reported to the Academic Senate which then recommends its decision to the Academic Council. The senate comprises of the vice chancellor, pro-vice-chancellors, deans, full professors, chairmen of departments, among others. However, the senate is compromised since Nyagura according to a letter dated January 29, 2018, threatened lecturers for challenging the awarding a PhD to Grace.

More: Herald