IIP defends right to award honorary degrees

Nyashadzashe Ndoro

The International Institute of Philanthropy clashed with the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education after Zimche accused IIP of awarding unauthorized degrees, a claim IIP vehemently denied.

IIP asserted their legitimacy, highlighting their registration and operation within legal boundaries. They emphasised their core function: to acknowledge and celebrate philanthropic contributions through awarding Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters degrees.

These awards, they argued, were distinct from academic qualifications. They were honours bestowed upon those who, through their acts of charity and humanitarianism, demonstrably improved the lives of others.

The disagreement stemmed from a misunderstanding, according to IIP. Zimche, they believed, was misapplying a law meant to regulate institutions offering traditional academic degrees. IIP maintained that they weren't an academic institution. They offered no classes, no exams, and no curriculum. Their purpose was to recognise those who exemplified the spirit of giving.

“The Act in Question, Section 75 (3) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, Amendment (No.20) Act, 2023, as read with section 10 (1) of the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education Act (Chapter 25:27), which laws prohibit institutions of higher learning not registered and accredited by the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Educations to offer degrees does not apply to the International Institute of Philanthropy, IIP.

“The Zimbabwe Council For Higher education, Zimche, has no jurisdiction over matters of the International Institute of Philanthropy, IIP.

“Zimche is applying this ACT where it is not applicable. The International Institute of Philanthropy is not an Institution of Higher Learning.

“The Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters, is classified as an Award and not a Qualification and is accompanied by the prefix, h, c, and is classified as an ‘honoris causa’ degree.

“This translates literally to ‘for the sake of honour,” meaning that the degree is an honorary title meant to show respect and appreciation,” the organisation said.

IIP pointed out past government statements supporting their position. A previous Minister of Higher Education had publicly acknowledged the distinction between IIP’s awards and academic degrees. The current legislation, they argued, didn’t encompass their activities.

Frustrated by Zimche’s pronouncements, IIP threatened legal action and expressed a willingness to take their award ceremonies abroad if necessary. They lamented the lack of due process and decried the negativity surrounding the controversy.

IIP prided itself on celebrating the uncelebrated, those who uplift humanity through acts of philanthropy. They argued such contributions deserved recognition, and their honorary doctorates were a fitting way to do so.