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Ivan Zhakata, Herald Correspondent
THE Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education (ZIMCHE) has said that the International Institute of Philanthropy (IIP) in Harare is no longer permitted to award degrees in Zimbabwe.
This follows a High Court ruling (HCH1469/24) delivered on July 31, 2024, which found that the IIP was operating without the required registration and accreditation under the ZIMCHE Act [Chapter 25:27].
“It is ordered that the respondent (IPP) be and is hereby interdicted from awarding the Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters degree or any other degree or academic qualification awarded by institutions of higher education without registration and accreditation following the laws of Zimbabwe,” reads the court order.
“The respondent publicly revokes and withdraws all Honorary degrees awarded and bestowed by itself within 30 days of this order.
“Respondent shall pay applicant’s costs on a legal practitioner and client scale.”
According to ZIMCHE, the Court directed the IIP to publicly revoke all previously awarded honorary degrees within 30 days of the judgment.
However, the IIP has failed to comply with the order.
In response, ZIMCHE has declared all degrees issued by the institution null and void.
“All recipients of these degrees are hereby advised to cease using the awarded honorary degrees.
“Continued use may result in ZIMCHE initiating legal action,” said ZIMCHE in a statement.
The council has emphasised its commitment to preserving the credibility of higher education in Zimbabwe, warning all unregistered institutions of strict enforcement of the law.
“ZIMCHE will not hesitate to institute both criminal and civil actions to ensure compliance with the laws governing higher education,”
ZIMCHE has also reminded the public that a list of all registered and accredited degree-awarding institutions in Zimbabwe is available on their website.
Online Reporter