Online Reporter
Herald Correspondent
Lawmakers have called for urgent legislation to stop non-academic institutions and individuals from awarding honorary doctorates, arguing that the practice is eroding public trust in Zimbabwe’s education system.
The motion was moved in the National Assembly on Thursday by Chivi Central Member of Parliament, Cde Exevia Maoneke, and seconded by Masvingo Member of Parliament Naledi Lindarose Maunganidze.
It tasks the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development with drafting a policy restricting honorary degrees to accredited universities only.
“Madam Speaker, Ma’am, I rise to present a motion that seeks to address an issue that is becoming increasingly concerning within our educational landscape,” Maoneke said.
He told Parliament that while honorary doctorates were traditionally awarded to recognise exceptional service and achievement, the title is now being issued indiscriminately by entities with no academic mandate.
“However, we have witnessed the proliferation of non-academic entities that issue such honours, often devoid of any legitimate scholarly evaluation. This trend has not only diluted the value of the title ‘Dr’, but has also led to significant confusion and concern within the academic community and the public,” he said.
Maoneke warned that the indiscriminate granting of honorary doctorates undermines the credibility of genuine academic accomplishments. He listed the main problems as erosion of academic integrity, exploitation where titles are allegedly sold for money or favours, public confusion over who is a genuine “Dr”, and damage to the value of scholarly work.
“The existence of numerous individuals bearing honorary titles can mislead the public and diminish respect for legitimate academic credentials.
“My proposal, Madam Speaker, is that we take legislative action to abolish the issuance of honorary doctorates by non-academic institutions and by individuals,” he added.
Seconding the motion, Cde Maunganidze said honorary doctorates are among academia’s highest honours and must remain “rare, prestigious and reserved” for those who embody excellence and service.
Tracing the tradition to Oxford University in 1478, she said the right to confer such degrees has always depended on “academic autonomy, scholarly excellence and recognised quality assurance systems.”
“This motion is not about limiting the recognition of distinguished citizens,” she said. “It is about preserving the dignity of one of academia’s highest honours.”
She cautioned that conferring honorary titles outside universities diminishes the work of students who spend years on research and thesis defence. Zimbabwe’s reputation as a regional education hub, and programmes such as Heritage-Based Education 5.0 and Vision 2030, rely on credible qualifications.
“Protecting the integrity of honorary doctorates therefore supports the broader national objective of building a knowledge-driven economy founded on excellence, innovation and integrity,” Maunganidze said.
She proposed that the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education (ZIMCHE) lead the development of clear national guidelines, nomination procedures and ethical standards in line with international best practice.
The Speaker adjourned debate on the motion to next Tuesday to allow more legislators to contribute their views.
Last year, ZIMCHE warned individuals using fraudulent qualifications or titles to desist immediately or face civil and criminal prosecution. The alert followed the emergence of numerous unregistered institutions unlawfully conferring bogus undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Investigations have so far identified more than 12 such institutions.
Zimbabwe currently recognises 21 registered universities and two intergovernmental institutions.
