Midlands State University (MSU) has reportedly dismissed nine lecturers from its Department of Media, Communication, Film, and Theatre Arts due to gross incompetence.

The lecturers are accused of setting faulty examination papers, failing to correct the errors, and failing to attend their examination classes. Sources indicate that the question papers contained a misleading instruction, stating that candidates were to answer all questions in Section B and all three questions in Section B, instead of indicating that they should answer all questions in Section A and three questions in Section B.

“The question papers were found to have numerous errors. Additionally, some lecturers were absent from the examination venue during their respective sessions, which contradicts university regulations that require attendance. There was also a failure to address the mistakes in a timely manner,” a source stated.

Initially, 13 lecturers were charged and brought before a hearing, leading to the dismissal of nine.

When contacted for comment, MSU Acting Director of Marketing and Communications, Kudakwashe Bhowa, stated that the matter is private and confidential.

“Thank you for your inquiry. These are private contractual and human resource matters between the university and the individuals involved. Therefore, in accordance with our duty of confidentiality and institutional policy, the university does not publicly comment on individual staffing issues,” he said.