News / National
'It seems procedures were not followed' UZ lecturer says of Grace's PhD
28 Oct 2014 at 16:20hrs | Views
The First Lady Grace Mugabe's PhD has stirred controversy amid reports that UZ authorities could have upgraded her Master's degree to a PhD, with some sources saying she did not even study for the degree programme.
Her thesis file is missing in the university archives, although her peers, including Vice-President Joice Mujuru, had their thesis documents publicised.
"You might have the title, but fail to garner the respect from the people . . . I can be called First Lady or Doctor Mugabe and put certificates on the walls of my house, but that certificate is not the one that will work," Grace said.
The issue of Grace's PhD is likely to damage the university's reputation, academics and alumni unless it's resolved and explained.
Insiders at the University of Zimbabwe say several deans and senior lecturers say they will engage the university council for an explanation on how the first lady achieved her PhD.
"We have checked university, department and faculty records from registration, the academic committee, research and attendant issues like supervision, both internal and external and exam processes; there are so many gaps and question marks. It seems procedures were not followed and this is an indictment on her and the university itself," a senior academic from the University of Zimbabwe said.
Joice Mujuru has had a graduation party and reportedly hinted that at least her degree is traceable.
Her thesis file is missing in the university archives, although her peers, including Vice-President Joice Mujuru, had their thesis documents publicised.
"You might have the title, but fail to garner the respect from the people . . . I can be called First Lady or Doctor Mugabe and put certificates on the walls of my house, but that certificate is not the one that will work," Grace said.
The issue of Grace's PhD is likely to damage the university's reputation, academics and alumni unless it's resolved and explained.
Insiders at the University of Zimbabwe say several deans and senior lecturers say they will engage the university council for an explanation on how the first lady achieved her PhD.
"We have checked university, department and faculty records from registration, the academic committee, research and attendant issues like supervision, both internal and external and exam processes; there are so many gaps and question marks. It seems procedures were not followed and this is an indictment on her and the university itself," a senior academic from the University of Zimbabwe said.
Joice Mujuru has had a graduation party and reportedly hinted that at least her degree is traceable.
Source - Deutsche Welle
