Midlands State University (MSU) has banned individuals and private organisations from holding side graduation events after it barred at least 5 200 of its 6 500 students from physically attending their graduation ceremony last week.
MSU said the move was aimed at ensuring compliance with COVID-19 regulations.
Since 2020, universities have been holding virtual graduations, only allowing those with first-class degrees to physically attend the ceremonies.
This has resulted in some students holding private ceremonies where they could gather and follow virtual live proceedings.
Last week MSU distanced itself from such gatherings and warned stakeholders that they will not be responsible for anything. It said in a notice:
Should one decide to attend such events, Midlands State University will not assume responsibility or be held liable for the consequences of such a decision.
Opposition LEAD leader Linda Masarira criticised the move by MSU and described it as disrespectful. She said:
This kind of disrespect is totally unacceptable. MSU has by this issue shown disrespect to their stakeholders and we demand answers with transparency because this raises eyebrows on the day-to-day usage of funds.
Why rob more than a thousand students of an opportunity to celebrate their degrees that they spent four years paying school fees for just like any other state university?
We demand answers and legit reasons or at least for graduation fees to be lowered about the fact that only a few students will be attending the graduation physically.
MSU should stop this daylight robbery and allow students to attend the graduation physically.
MSU ordered students to pay a compulsory US$70 graduation fee plus US$40 for graduation regalia. | NewZimbabwe.com