Online Reporter
Online Writer
THE Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education (ZIMCHE) has publicly named and shamed several unregistered institutions illegally offering degree programmes, warning that holders of qualifications from these institutions could face legal consequences.
A majority of the ‘rogue institutions’ have ‘religious names.’
In an official statement, ZIMCHE reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the credibility of higher education in Zimbabwe.
“This notice serves as a warning to the public against enrolling with unregistered institutions and using qualifications not accredited by ZIMCHE,” the regulatory body said.
ZIMCHE provided a list of officially registered universities in Zimbabwe. These include:
Public Universities:
* Bindura University of Science Education (BUSE)
* Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT)
* Great Zimbabwe University (GZU)
* Gwanda State University (GSU)
* Harare Institute of Technology (HIT)
* Lupane State University (LSU)
* Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences (MSUAS)
* Marondera University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (MUAST)
* Midlands State University (MSU)
* National University of Science and Technology (NUST)
* University of Zimbabwe (UZ)
* Zimbabwe National Defence University (ZNDU)
* Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU)
* The Pan African University of Mineral Processing (PAUMP)
Private Universities:
* Africa University (AU)
* Arrupe Jesuit University (AJU)
* Catholic University of Zimbabwe (CUZ)
* Reformed Church University (RCU)
* Solusi University (SU)
* Women’s University in Africa (WUA)
* Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University (ZEGU)
Additionally, Strathmore South African Management Institute (SAM) is the only intergovernmental institution accredited.
ZIMCHE also confirmed that the University of Matopos is awaiting accreditation, while St. Keene University is set to be registered by June 2024.
ZIMCHE issued a stern warning against several institutions that continue to operate unlawfully despite closure orders. These include:
* International Institute of Philanthropy (IIP)
* Goshen International Bible College
* Apostles University (House Number 4005, New Advent, Goromonzi)
* Bank of Acts Global University (Whitecliff, Harare)
* Gospel Divine Theologians
* Mount Carmel Institute of Business & Management (Kwame Nkrumah Ave, Harare)
* Mount Hermon Theological Seminary
* Faith World Bible Colleges
* Reach the World International Bible College (Chongwe Road, New Mabvuku, Harare)
* African Leaders Institute
* Global Shepherds Institute
“These institutions have been ordered to cease operations immediately,” ZIMCHE said. “The qualifications they issue are not recognised, and holders of such qualifications may face legal repercussions.”
The council warned that some of these institutions frequently change locations to avoid detection. “Some are not even owned by Zimbabweans, while others claim affiliation with dubious ‘international’ universities that are not accredited in their countries of origin.”
ZIMCHE urged students and employers to verify the accreditation status of any university before enrolling or hiring candidates. “The full list of accredited institutions is available on the ZIMCHE website,” it added.
For further details, the public is encouraged to visit www.zimche.ac.zw or contact ZIMCHE’s offices at 10 Herbert Chitepo Avenue, Harare.
