Let’s not sacrifice the nation’s educational future

to the nation and the sub-region.
ZOU’s non-conventional programme is meant for people who would want to advance their educational and professional skills while they are working. The institution also filled the gap provided by the University of South Africa.
At every educational institution, students are the universities’ most important and only clientele.
The existence of any educational institution is premised against fully satisfying the needs and requirements of this clientele. There are no compromises. While we fully agree that professional and ethical standards should be applied to ensure quality in order for the programmes to be relevant and competitive, we believe that the current stand-off between ZOU and the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education (ZIMCHE) is not only unfortunate, but also believe that it is not in the interest of their clientele, and that it is not in the national interest.
We appreciate ZIMCHE’s mandate, a Council created through an Act of Parliament (Chapter 25:27) whose main objective is “to design and recommend an institutional quality assurance system for higher education, that is, a system whereby the courses, programmes and degrees offered by institutions are evaluated on a regular and objective basis, and to recommend to the Minister institutional quality assurance standards.”
The Council is headed by distinguished personalities whose knowledge, experience and expertise in diverse fields cannot be doubted.
However, we question, with concern the manner in which some ZOU degree programmes were discontinued last year, a situation that has left many degree holders and prospective students adversely affected. ZIMCHE could have genuine reasons, but suspending a programme days before some students were to graduate was problematic.
On November 24, 2011 we ran a story that ZIMCHE had with immediate effect suspended five ZOU programmes: the MSc in Counselling, BSc in Counselling, Diploma in Education (Primary), Graduate Certificate or Diploma in Education and Diploma in Early Childhood Development.
On November 25, President Mugabe, who is the Chancellor of public universities was to confer degrees on ZOU students. This created confusion and panic not only among the affected students, but we would want to believe the university personnel.
We question whether the Chancellor was briefed about these suspensions before he conferred degrees on November 25? Although those affected received their diplomas, the major problem all of them are facing is credibility and whether the diplomas they have are valid or not. How do they seek recourse?
If the diplomas are withdrawn, does it also mean that the students should be reimbursed their tuition and other fees? ZIMCHE’s suspension is not unique to ZOU. At some point, the National University of Science and Technology faced similar problems with some of its programmes, but the difference is that it did not affect students who had already completed their programmes, awaiting graduation.
As a nation that prides itself with excellence in education, we are happy to see that the Council is working hand in glove with every institution, to ensure quality assurance in degree programmes offered. However, we feel that the process should consider the clientele in a manner that does not discredit the entire higher education system.
People need to have faith and confidence in degree programmes offered in Zimbabwe, and not just ZOU. This is why we feel that if there are issues between ZOU and ZIMCHE, they should be dealt with in a manner that does not disadvantage the students and the nation at large.
We also believe that trying to resolve the issues through the media will not help the major stakeholders, but instead, this will affect the professional standing of both organisations. As it stands, both ZOU and ZIMCHE need to clarify the outstanding issues, and should engage openly and in a spirit of trust. If there is need to engage other partners, this should be done, while ensuring that students are getting their money’s worth. Since both organisations operate through an Act of Parliament, if it means a Parliamentary hearing, so be it.
We also know that there is competition among tertiary institutions, and are also aware that due to the brain drain, most of them are not adequately resourced.
These are not new issues. The nation was faced with similar challenges at independence, but focused planning resulted in the exponential growth we saw after the establishment of the second university.
As we call for this thorough and transparent investigation into the ZOU/ZIMCHE saga, we also urge concerned parties not to sacrifice the nation’s future at the altar of expediency.