MSU fires 9 lecturers over examination papers

Midlands State University (MSU) has dismissed nine lecturers from its Department of Media, Communication, Film and Theatre Arts following an examination paper error that affected first-, second- and fourth-year students during the May and June examinations.

Impeccable sources told The Masvingo Mirror that the controversy centred on a common error in the instructions contained in the examination papers.

Instead of instructing students to answer all questions in Section A and two questions from Section B, the affected papers allegedly instructed candidates to answer all questions from both Section A and Section B.

Sources said the error appeared across examination papers for the affected levels and resulted in students receiving incorrect instructions during the examinations.

The University subsequently instituted disciplinary proceedings against members of the department, culminating in the dismissal of nine lecturers.

Those dismissed include department chairperson Dr Hugh Mangeya, as well as Dr Ernest Jakaza, Dr Ephraim Vhutuza, Dr Tariro Ndawana, Dr Beauty Muromo, Dr Nyasha Mapuwei, Muchineripi Cuthbert Gwarinda, Vhuyiswa Mukwananzi and Patience Mushuku.

Four other lecturers — Dr Albert Chibuwe, Peter Mandava, Nancy Mutambo and Chengeto Mkwendi — were reportedly issued with final written warnings.

Sources questioned the severity of the dismissals, arguing that the disciplinary action was disproportionate to what they described as a common examination-setting error.

They also alleged that the University may have used the disciplinary process as an opportunity to reduce its staffing complement amid a sharp decline in enrolment in the department and other academic programmes.

According to the sources, enrolments in some programmes have fallen dramatically, with some departments reportedly facing closure as student numbers continue to decline.

The History and International Studies programme was said to be nearing closure, while Religious Studies allegedly has no full-time students.

African Languages, meanwhile, was described by sources as having effectively ceased operating.

The sources said the affected programmes previously attracted as many as 90 students per class at their peak.

The reported staff cuts therefore come amid broader concerns over the sustainability of some academic programmes as universities grapple with declining enrolment.

However, MSU spokesperson Kudakwashe Bhowa declined to comment on the specific cases, saying the matters involved private contractual and human resources issues.

"These are private contractual and Human Resources matters between the University and the individuals concerned. Consequently, in accordance with our duty of confidentiality and institutional policy, the University does not comment publicly on individual staffing affairs," Bhowa said.

Dr Mangeya, who was among those dismissed, also declined to provide details, saying processes relating to the University's decision were still ongoing.

"The story is still ongoing and I am not at liberty to comment right now. There are processes that are taking place after the decision which was initially taken by the University," he said.

The reported dismissals have raised questions among staff and other stakeholders over whether an examination-paper error should have resulted in termination of employment, particularly where multiple lecturers were allegedly involved in the same mistake.

The University has not publicly disclosed the findings of the disciplinary proceedings or the specific basis on which the nine lecturers were dismissed.

It also remains unclear whether the affected lecturers have challenged the decisions through internal grievance procedures, labour authorities or the courts.