Former Finance Minister and renowned constitutional lawyer, Tendai Biti, has sharply criticized the Zimbabwean government and the administration of the University of Zimbabwe (UZ) for their handling of the ongoing academic disruption at the institution.
Lecturers at UZ have been on strike since April 16, citing deteriorating economic conditions and inadequate remuneration. The industrial action has paralyzed academic activity for nearly a month. Despite this, students have been instructed to prepare for final examinations scheduled for next week—without having received results for their previous academic block or any formal instruction during the current one.
In a post shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Biti condemned the university’s decision to proceed with exams, describing it as “callous, ill-thought and narcissistic.” He emphasized that students were being unfairly sacrificed in a system plagued by governance failure.
“There is an urgent crisis at the University of Zimbabwe which reflects the broader leadership challenges facing our nation. UZ lecturers are grossly underpaid and have a constitutional right to protest. We stand in solidarity with their cause,” Biti stated.
He stressed that the institution bears both legal and moral responsibilities to uphold academic integrity and safeguard the learning environment for students.
“Since April 16, no classes have been held. Students have not received coursework, reading materials, or assignment feedback. Yet the university expects them to sit for final exams. This is unacceptable. Students deserve a quality education, and lecturers must be fairly compensated,” he added.
The growing tension has sparked anxiety among students, many of whom recently staged a peaceful protest on campus demanding immediate resolution to the crisis.
As of now, the university has yet to release an official statement addressing the lecturers’ demands or the students’ concerns.
The crisis at UZ has reignited national conversations around higher education funding, lecturer welfare, and the government’s commitment to the academic future of Zimbabwe’s youth.
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