Why Zimbabwe will not ban the use of the title 'Doctor'

While countries such as Ghana and Ethiopia are taking bold steps to regulate the misuse of honorary and fake doctorates, Zimbabwe remains unlikely to follow suit. The reason is simple, the system is deeply compromised. Many senior officials, politicians and influential business leaders parade questionable qualifications that would not withstand scrutiny under stricter rules.

Over the years, the title Doctor has been diluted by a flood of dubious degrees from unaccredited institutions and cheaply acquired honorary awards. These titles are flaunted in public life to command respect, gain influence or enhance political campaigns. In reality, they often lack academic merit.

A ban, similar to those introduced in Ghana and Ethiopia, will expose the rot at the heart of Zimbabwe’s leadership. Too many decision-makers themselves rely on these titles, meaning that any crackdown would directly implicate them. This creates a culture of impunity where genuine doctors, medical professionals and academics are overshadowed by counterfeit credentials.

Until Zimbabwe confronts the uncomfortable truth about fake qualifications within its own corridors of power, reform is unlikely. The continued abuse of the Doctor title reflects not just vanity, but a deeper problem of accountability and credibility in public life.

"You definitely know an individual with a fake Doctorate"

Engineer Jacob Kudzayi Mutisi
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