Abstract:
This exploratory study was aimed at substantiating media reports regarding the proliferation
of qualification, award and recognition fraud in Zimbabwe as well as identifying the
attendant causal factors, consequences and deterrent measures. A mixed methodology
approach including both qualitative and quantitative approaches was used. Documents,
self-administered questionnaires and interviews were used to collect data. In light of the sheer
extend of the problem; the study was confined to the 15 registered universities and the quality
assurance body, the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education (ZIMCHE). The results showed
that there was indeed an increase in credential fraud involving both academic and
professional awards and recognitions. The demand for higher education credentials, high
unemployment rate, credentialism, and the desire for recognition and success fuelled the
fraudulent practices. Honorary degrees topped the list of fraudulently acquired credentials,
followed by professorial awards, doctorate, masters, bachelor’s degrees and secondary level
certificates in that order. The sources of fraudulent documents included unregistered degree
awarding institutions, degree mills, forgeries and corrupt officials. ZIMCHE put in place
various measures to curb this scourge including registration, accreditation, assessment of
foreign degree qualifications, compliance visits, audits and international networks. The study
recommended the need to implement urgently the qualifications framework for Zimbabwe.
