DT Correspondent
The Harare Institute of Technology (HIT) is embroiled in a deepening crisis of alleged mis-governance, corruption, and nepotism, with sources pointing to Acting Pro-Vice Chancellor Willard Gwarimbo as the central figure in the scandal.
Multiple insiders have accused Gwarimbo, who has held the acting position for four years without the requisite qualifications, of manipulating the system for personal gain, engaging in unethical practices, and fostering a culture of fear and favoritism at the institution.
Among the most serious allegations is that Gwarimbo has exploited his position to coerce female subordinates into sexual relationships in exchange for career advancements.
One such case involves Emilia (surname withheld), his former secretary, who was recently promoted to Assistant Registrar in the Strategy and Innovation Postgraduate Unit.
Emilia, who served as Gwarimbo’s secretary during his tenure as Dean of the School of Business and Management Sciences, reportedly enjoyed years of full salaries without formal duties while pursuing her degree.
“Emilia was rarely seen at work, often reporting only twice a week, yet she remained on the payroll. As soon as she earned her degree, Gwarimbo allegedly promoted her to her current position,” a source privy to the development revealed.
Emilia now occupies the office meant for the Dean of the School of Business and Management Sciences, while the substantive Dean works from a cramped temporary office.
Gwarimbo’s alleged misconduct extends beyond nepotism.
Sources allege he has manipulated academic processes to ensure the passing of unqualified students, including his former girlfriend, Chenai (surname withheld) in 2024.
Gwarimbo reportedly forced academics to remark dissertations for a Masters program, withholding their part-time payments until they complied with his instructions to remark and pass his targeted students.
Despite objections, he insisted on using the same examiners who had initially failed the students, bypassing calls for independent external review that had been suggested by academics.
“It’s disgraceful that the President was invited to cap students who didn’t deserve to pass,” a senior academic lamented.
Gwarimbo is also accused of falsely claiming to have instructions from the President’s office or the Ministry of Higher Education to intimidate lecturers into passing certain candidates.
Further allegations of corruption include Gwarimbo’s alleged approval of financial requests in exchange for kickbacks, particularly when the Vice Chancellor is absent.
“He approves undeserving applications and rejects legitimate ones if the applicant isn’t aligned with him,” a source further disclosed.
In a bid to expedite his PhD studies, Gwarimbo reportedly overturned departmental decisions not to recruit four Staff Development Fellows— (names supplied) as they didn’t meet recruitment criteria. The recruits, now on HIT’s payroll, are allegedly assigned to Gwarimbo’s private research and errands instead of official duties.
Critics have questioned Gwarimbo’s prolonged tenure as Acting Pro-Vice Chancellor, citing his lack of higher qualifications, such as a PhD, which are mandatory for the role.
“It’s baffling that someone who struggled to pass Ordinary Level exams is allowed to lead an academic institution,” a senior management member remarked. Gwarimbo allegedly continues to act when there are substantive Dean’s who are qualified for the post. At present Gwarimbo holds no official senior management post as his Deanship contract expired in 2020.
Calls are mounting for the Ministry of Higher Education, the HIT Board of Directors, and the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) to investigate Gwarimbo’s conduct.
“The institution is being run like a personal fiefdom. Urgent intervention is needed to restore integrity and professionalism,” a former HIT professor now based abroad stated.
Repeated efforts to get hold of Mr Gwarimbo were fruitless as his phone went unanswered at the time of going to print.
As the allegations continue to surface, HIT’s reputation hangs in the balance, with stakeholders demanding accountability and transparency to address the systemic rot undermining the institution’s credibility.
