Cyprus Endorses ZIMCHE’s Action Against Unauthorized Universities

The Cyprus Embassy supports ZIMCHE’s decision to discredit various unauthorized universities, ensuring better educational opportunities for Zimbabwean students. Notably, the University of Nicosia remains legitimate despite its expired license in Zimbabwe. ZIMCHE has also flagged Indian universities for lacking credibility.

The Cyprus Embassy has confirmed that several educational institutions recently discredited by the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education (ZIMCHE) were operating without proper authorization. Over the years, numerous students from Zimbabwe have pursued educational opportunities in Cyprus, an EU member state. Last week, ZIMCHE deregistered several universities, including notable institutions such as Sharda University from India, and various Cypriot universities.

ZIMCHE had previously accredited these institutions, enrolling many Zimbabwean students. The local regulatory body cited a lack of internationally recognized academic qualifications from these universities as a primary concern. Honorary Consul of Cyprus in Zimbabwe, Nestoras Nestoros, noted that the deregistered universities lack recognition both in Cyprus and in numerous other countries, specifically identifying several institutions as illegal operators in Cyprus’s occupied region.

Nestoros remarked on the unjust situation caused by ZIMCHE’s past accreditation of these entities, leading to thousands of Zimbabweans studying at unrecognized universities. However, he reaffirmed the legitimacy of the University of Nicosia, which has an expired license in Zimbabwe but remains registered in Cyprus and is recognized internationally. He indicated that the university is in the process of renewing its registration in Zimbabwe.

Additionally, ZIMCHE has flagged other institutions from India, including Sharda and Parul Universities, for their lack of credibility. The Indian Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Bramha Kumar, refrained from commenting, emphasizing that the decision rests with the Zimbabwean government.

The recent actions by the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education to deregister several dubious universities, including institutions from both Cyprus and India, represent a significant step towards improving the educational landscape for Zimbabwean students. The clarification regarding the University of Nicosia as a legitimate institution emphasizes the importance of accreditation and the need for students to pursue valid educational pathways.

Original Source: www.newsday.co.zw