HARARE | The University of Zimbabwe (UZ) is facing a public backlash after former Zanu PF Chegutu West MP Dexter Nduna faked his graduation ceremony last Friday.
Nduna’s name did not appear on the official graduation list, yet he celebrated his supposed achievement on social media and even purchased a graduation gown to participate in the ceremony.
“Congratulation(s) to me today, UZ law class of 2024,” Nduna posted over the weekend, celebrating his purported graduation.
This brazen act has sparked outrage and accusations of abuse of power.
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Critics claim that Nduna used his political influence to attempt to coerce the university into awarding him a law degree despite having failed several modules.
The incident has tarnished the university’s reputation and raised questions about the integrity of its academic leadership.
UZ vice chancellor Professor Paul Mapfumo confirmed that Nduna was not on the official graduation list and stated that the university is investigating the matter.
“I am just coming in and we are investigating what happened, certainly he (Nduna) was not on the list.
“We have to find out the circumstances, people can have their gowns but we don’t mind people buying their own law gowns.
“On the list I can confirm he wasn’t,” said Mapfumo.
Mapfumo when asked if Nduna’s appearance at UZ’s graduation ceremony tarnished the institution he responded: “We are investigating are wouldn’t give you a comment before getting all the facts because it’s only last week.
“Today I have just come in the office that’s when we can have all these briefings now,” said Mapfumo.
Nduna declined to comment on the legitimacy of his graduation, deferring to the university for an official statement.
“You can get it (comment) from the university, not to me.
“I am just an individual. I am not an owner of an institution.
“The university can be in the better space to comment,” said Nduna.
An insider at the university revealed that Nduna has faced significant challenges with technical law courses throughout his studies.
The source noted that Nduna has struggled with subjects such as Contract Law, Administrative Law, and Commercial Law, and allegedly resorted to threatening lecturers rather than focusing on his coursework.
“Dexter Nduna has had challenges since level 1.1.
“He struggles so much with technical law courses such as Contract law, Admni law and commercial law. Instead of applying legal principles and concepts or case law he Instead wrote political language and couldn’t learn fast from the law school style of writing.
“He kept repeating, threatening lecturers Instead of learning,” said the source.
