University of Zimbabwe (UZ) Vice Chancellor Professor Levi Nyagura
has been suspended pending finalisation of a case against him on alleged
abuse of office.
In a statement last night, UZ registrar, Dr Noah Mutongoreni, said Professor Paul Mapfumo will be acting vice chancellor.
“His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe and
Chancellor of the University of Zimbabwe, Cde ED Mnangagwa, being the
appointing authority in terms of section 8 of the University of Zimbabwe
Act, (Chapter 25:16), has sent the Vice Chancellor of the University of
Zimbabwe, Professor Levi Nyagura on leave pending the finalisation of
his alleged charges of criminal abuse of Office.
“Meanwhile, Professor Paul Mapfumo has been appointed acting Vice
Chancellor in accordance with Section 8 of the University of Zimbabwe
Act (Chapter 25:16). The appointment is with immediate effect.”
Saturday 18 August 2018
PROF NYAGURA SUSPENDED
Prof Nyagura is facing allegations of facilitating the
conferment of a Doctor of Philosophy degree on former First Lady Mrs Grace
Mugabe.
It is alleged that sometime in 2011, Prof Nyagura
single-handedly approved Mrs Mugabe’s application to study a PHD in Sociology
without the knowledge of the faculty and department concerned.
Prof Nyagura then allegedly appointed Prof Claude Mararike
to supervise Mrs Mugabe’s thesis without the board’s approval.
Furthermore, Prof Nyagura allegedly usurped powers and
appointed examiners in violation of the University of Zimbabwe Act (Chapter 25:
16) and Ordinances 1998-99 volume 11, which gives that mandate to the Senate
committee.
Sometime in 2014, Prof Nyagura reportedly led supervisors
and examiners to Mrs Mugabe’s Mazowe Estate where she purportedly defended her
thesis, again without the knowledge and approval of the academic committee.
Earlier this year, 10 lecturers from the department of
Sociology challenged Prof Nyagura to revoke and nullify Mrs Mugabe’s doctorate
arguing that it was awarded unprocedurally.
Although Prof Nyagura insisted that Mrs Mugabe’s PhD was
awarded above board, he was then arrested later in the year after an
investigation by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission.
His trial is scheduled to resume next month. Herald
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