Lecturers file court application to halt graduation at UZ saying its a “Degree Printing Machine”

HARARE – The Association of University Teachers (AUT) in Zimbabwe has filed an urgent High Court application seeking to block the graduation ceremony at the University of Zimbabwe later this month arguing the institution has engaged in gross academic misconduct and violations of examination and teaching protocols.

They want the UZ Chancellor stopped from conferring degrees, diplomas, and certificates at the institution’s 44th Graduation Ceremony because the quality and integrity of this year’s academic output has been severely compromised by what it calls “the most grave of academic fraud ever to exist in our nation.”

Lecturers have been on strike since 16 April 2025 and the union says this has resulted in no meaningful teaching or learning during critical academic Blocks 3 and 4.

“Because of the lawful and constitutional strike, students have not had consistent and meaningful learning. Yet, the University is proceeding to confer qualifications,” read the statement.

AUT claims to have compiled a 45-page dossier that outlines what it terms “a degree printing machine” at UZ. The union alleges that degrees are being awarded without proper academic scrutiny or valid assessment, likening the institution to a “pizza delivery service” where degrees can allegedly be “ordered.”

“The University of Zimbabwe has become a Degree Printing Machine. Like pizza, one can now order a degree,” the statement read.