By Staff Writer
THE Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education (ZIMCHE) has announced the removal of seven universities in India and Cyprus from the official list of institutions accredited with the quality assurance and standards body.
In a statement this Monday, ZIMCHE said following a review of the accreditation status of various foreign higher education institutions, the seven were struck off the list, although no reasons were given.
“This notice serves to inform the public that the following institutions are no longer accredited with ZIMCHE; Girne American University (Northern Cyprus), Sharda University of India, Parul University (India), Near East University (Northern Cyprus), University of Kyrenia (Northern Cyprus), The European University of Lefke (Northern Cyprus) and University of Nicosia (Northern Cyprus).
“In light of the development, we strongly advise members of the public to verify the accreditation status of foreign universities they intend to enrol with or consider for their children’s university education.
“Studying at an unaccredited institution may result in financial loss and has serious implications for one’s academic qualifications and career prospects,” reads the notice.
As a result, ZIMCHE declared IIP’s awarded degrees unrecognised within Zimbabwe and cautioned the public against using titles such as “doctor” from outlawed institutions.
“We take the integrity of the higher education system in Zimbabwe very seriously, and will not tolerate any attempts to undermine it,” ZIMCHE said.
