HARARE, Aug. 21 (NewsDay Live) – FRESH controversy is brewing at the Harare Institute of Technology (HIT) after allegations emerged that the institution’s acting pro-vice chancellor for academic affairs, Willard Gwarimbo, is manipulating academic processes to favour an alleged relative who was reportedly never registered as a student during the 2024/25 academic year.
A student source familiar with the matter, who asked not to be named for fear of reprisals, alleged that Trevor Biri, believed to be related to Gwarimbo, has been allowed to progress to final-year studies despite failing to meet basic academic requirements.
According to the source, Biri, introduced as a third-year financial engineering student, was not registered for either semester in the past academic year and never undertook the mandatory industrial attachment programme.
Nonetheless, he has allegedly been directed by Gwarimbo to attend fourth-year lectures, a development students say blatantly undermines HIT’s regulations.
“Trevor was not on the system last year,” one student said.
“He did not do internship and was not assessed, yet he is in class with us.
“It’s unfair and goes against everything we have been told about academic integrity.”
The controversy has deepened after four students claimed that their own internship results were mysteriously removed from the university’s online portal.
- Another accolade for Power Giants
- Interview: We re-create generative spaces for today’s hybrid workplace
- Govt commits to enhancing public financial management
- Kutsaga, HIT partner to tackle climate change
Keep Reading
They allege that the move is part of a cover-up to justify Biri’s inclusion, in what has been described as a “structured internship repeats programme”.
If implemented, this arrangement would see Biri and the four students repeating their attachment while simultaneously pursuing fourth-year studies — a practice the students insist has no basis in HIT’s academic policies.
“We have not been given any official explanation,” one of the affected students said.
“This is a violation of our rights as students.
“We are being punished for following the rules, while someone who never registered is being rewarded.”
The students also claimed that Biri’s father recently flew in from South Africa and met with Gwarimbo.
Soon after, the acting pro-vice- chancellor reportedly secured accommodation for Biri and began pressing for his inclusion in final-year classes.
“Trevor is openly bragging that he’ll graduate because he has guarantees from Gwarimbo,” the source said.
“He says the acting pro-vice-chancellor even phoned him, telling him to stay in class no matter what.”
This is not the first time Gwarimbo’s name has been linked to controversy.
Earlier this year, he was exposed for corruption, nepotism and sexual misconduct.
HIT then promised to investigate the matter, but insiders say no internal inquiry has taken place.
“He is untouchable,” said a source close to the administration.
“The vice-chancellor and the university board shield him.
“As a result, he acts with impunity.”
The four affected students have indicated they are considering taking legal action if the matter is not addressed urgently.
“We are not going to let this slide. This is about fairness and integrity,” one of them said.
“HIT is setting a dangerous precedent by protecting one student at the expense of others.”
Contacted for comment, Biri told NewsDay Live that he was not aware of the allegations.
“I have followed all the procedures, but I don’t know who is spreading the news,” he said.
HIT spokesperson Tinashe Mutema claimed the allegations were meant to tarnish the vice-chancellor’s image.
“This is coming from the dark world, there are people who are working against the vice-chancellor,” he said
“Unfortunately, there is an academic board which oversees what you are saying.”
Mutema said Gwarimbo has been doing well to address issues at the institution.
