The Midlands State University (MSU) reportedly took advantage of a common error in examination question papers to dismiss nine lecturers from the Department of Media, Communication, Film and Theatre Arts to downsize staff at a time when enrolment in the department and many other faculties had plummeted. Masvingo Mirror reported sources as saying the issue […]
The Midlands State University (MSU) reportedly took advantage of a common error in examination question papers to dismiss nine lecturers from the Department of Media, Communication, Film and Theatre Arts to downsize staff at a time when enrolment in the department and many other faculties had plummeted.
Masvingo Mirror reported sources as saying the issue arose from an incorrect instruction to candidates in all question papers for first, second and fourth-year students written in May and June 2026.
It is alleged that instead of instructing candidates to answer all questions from Section A and two questions from Section B, the papers instructed them to answer all questions from both Section A and Section B.
Sources said the decision to dismiss the lecturers was harsh. They alleged that the university took advantage of the error to reduce staff numbers when enrolment figures had fallen sharply.
Most of the dismissed lecturers hold doctorates. They are department chairperson Dr Hugh Mangeya, Dr Ernest Jakaza, Dr Ephraim Vhutuza, Dr Tariro Ndawana, Dr Beauty Muromo, Dr Nyasha Mapuwei, Muchineripi Cuthbert Gwarinda, Vhuyiswa Mukwananzi and Patience Mushuku.
Four other lecturers were issued with final written warnings. They are Dr Albert Chibuwe, Peter Mandava, Nancy Mutambo and Chengeto Mkwendi.
Masvingo Mirror was told that some departments are facing closure due to low enrolments.
The History and International Studies programme is said to be close to closing, while Religious Studies allegedly has no full-time students. African Languages is said to have died a natural death. At their peak, these programmes used to have up to 90 students per class.
MSU spokesperson Kudakwashe Bhowa declined to comment on the matter, saying these were private contractual issues.
“These are private contractual and Human Resources matters between the University and the individuals concerned,” Bhowa said.
“Consequently, in accordance with our duty of confidentiality and institutional policy, the University does not comment publicly on individual staffing affairs.”
One of the affected lecturers, Dr Mangeya, said he was not at liberty to comment on the matter.
“The story is still ongoing, and I am not at liberty to comment right now. Some processes are taking place after the decision which was initially taken by the University,” said Dr Mangeya.
