The Association of University Teachers (AUT) has approached the High Court in an urgent bid to halt the University of Zimbabwe’s 44th Graduation Ceremony, accusing the institution of gross academic misconduct and undermining the quality of its qualifications.
In court papers, the union wants the UZ Chancellor barred from conferring degrees, diplomas, and certificates later this month, claiming the integrity of the 2025 academic output has been “severely compromised” by what it describes as unprecedented academic fraud.
Lecturers have been on strike since 16 April, a standoff AUT says wiped out meaningful teaching and learning during crucial Blocks 3 and 4. Despite this, the university is pushing ahead with graduation.
“Because of the lawful and constitutional strike, students have not had consistent and meaningful learning. Yet, the University is proceeding to confer qualifications,” AUT said in a statement.
The union says it has compiled a 45-page dossier alleging that degrees are being issued without valid assessment or academic scrutiny, branding the institution a “degree printing machine” and likening the process to ordering a pizza.
UZ has not publicly responded to the allegations.
