HARARE – President Emmerson Mnangagwa has appointed Professor Paul Mapfumo as the new Vice Chancellor of the University of Zimbabwe following the forced resignation of Levi Nyagura.
Prof Mapfumo was made acting vice chancellor since August last year after Nyagura was arrested and charged with corruption over a PhD awarded to the former first lady, Grace Mugabe.
“The appointment is for a period of five years effective June 10, 2019. A distinguished academic, administrator and researcher par excellence, Prof Mapfumo brings with him a wealth of experience, evidence of strong vision and leadership, and a clear commitment to the University of Zimbabwe’s founding principles of excellence in teaching, research, innovation and strength of community in discovering and applying knowledge for public good, anchored by the highest academic and professional standards,” University of Zimbabwe Council chairman Anxious Jongwe Masuka said in a statement on Tuesday.
Nyagura stood down as vice chancellor in April this year, as he battles charges that he influenced the university to award a quickie Doctor of Philosophy degree to former President Robert Mugabe’s wife without following procedures.
Nyagura denied the charges.
The President is the Chancellor of universities in Zimbabwe, a practice that has been criticised by academics. He appoints vice chancellors, who run the universities.
