Zimbabwe deregisters seven universities in Northern Cyprus and India

In its initial statement on March 11, 2024, the government body, ZIMCHE, gave no reason for the deregistration of institutions but noted that “studying at an unaccredited institution may result in financial loss and have serious implications for one’s academic qualifications and career prospects.” 

“We strongly advise the public to confirm the foreign universities’ accreditation status before enrolling with them or considering them for their children’s university education,” read the statement. 

ZIMCHE marketing manager Reginald Nyango stated, “The affected universities were removed from the list of accredited foreign institutions due to the expiration of their registration.” He also mentioned that Parul University in Gujarat, India, is presently undergoing reaccreditation.  

The following institutions were removed from ZIMCHE’s accredited list:  

• University of Nicosia (Northern Cyprus)
• Sharda University of India 
• University of Kyrenia (Northern Cyprus)  
• Girne American University (Northern Cyprus)  
• The European University of Lefke (Northern Cyprus) 
• Parul University (India)  
• Near East University (Northern Cyprus)  

None of the affected universities from Northern Cyprus and India currently have a physical presence in Zimbabwe, other than agents and representatives.

The International Institute of Philanthropy, located in Harare, was found to be “not authorised to award degrees in Zimbabwe as it is not a registered higher education institution,” according to a prior ZIMCHE ruling, which prompted the removals.

According to Nyango, “the proliferation of unregistered institutions is a result of the rising demand for academic qualifications or honors, and the illegal awarding of qualifications such as honorary doctorates poses significant challenges to maintaining academic integrity.”   

“For the purpose of guaranteeing quality, advancing academic reputation, safeguarding students, and enabling the worldwide movement of students and graduates, the registration and accreditation of foreign universities is particularly crucial.”

Nyango states that further obstacles to the regulation of higher education in Zimbabwe include the need to keep up with technological improvements and incorporate them into ZIMCHE’s regulatory framework in addition to budgetary limitations. 

The Zimbabwean government founded ZIMCHE in 2006 to control research, academic credentials, testing, and teaching practices in postsecondary educational establishments.  

Universities in Northern Cyprus have been actively seeking out international students in recent years, with an emphasis on students from Asia and Africa. The self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which is not recognized by any government outside of Turkey, is home to the five Cypriot universities on the list.  

Higher education credentials from regional colleges are not recognized by several Middle Eastern nations, and Nigerian officials have alerted its citizens to the possibility of human trafficking and “scrupulous” agents operating in Northern Cyprus.  

Official recognition for both Indian colleges is granted by the University Grants Commission of the Indian Ministry of Education.