President Emmerson Mnangagwa recently traveled to Chiweshe in Mashonaland Central to celebrate his wife, First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa, who just earned a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Tourism and Hospitality Management from Midlands State University. During her graduation in Gweru, the president personally capped her — a rare sight that quickly grabbed the nation’s attention.

But behind the celebrations, Zimbabweans are asking serious questions: Are these PhDs really about education, or are they just political trophies?

In Zimbabwe today, many top officials are suddenly becoming “Dr.” this and “Dr.” that. The titles are growing faster than public trust. And many Zimbabweans feel that these so-called academic achievements have more to do with boosting political power than gaining real knowledge.

This is not new. In 2014, former First Lady Grace Mugabe received a PhD from the University of Zimbabwe under highly suspicious circumstances. Her degree came out of nowhere, had no proper academic record, and many believed it was fake. The scandal damaged the university’s image and added to her already controversial legacy — a legacy that ended when her husband was removed in the 2017 coup.

Vice President Constantino Chiwenga also holds a PhD from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. But even his academic journey is clouded by doubt. Some wonder whether the degree was earned through hard work or handed over because of his position.

What we’re seeing is a clear case of academic credentialism — where education is used more for political power than personal growth or public service. Officials believe that by adding “Dr.” in front of their names, they earn more respect, more influence, and more control. It becomes a tool to boost their image, not to benefit the country.

This obsession with academic titles is dangerous. It turns education into a game. It sends the wrong message to the public, especially to young people who believe in learning as a way to grow and improve their lives. When leaders chase degrees just to look important, they damage the value of true education.

Education is supposed to be about learning, thinking, and building skills. When done honestly, it can help leaders make better decisions and serve the people more effectively. But when it becomes a shortcut to fame and power, it’s no longer education — it’s deception.

And it’s not just about the leaders. These fake or questionable PhDs also hurt Zimbabwe’s universities. When universities award degrees to powerful people without proper academic work, they lose credibility. A country cannot grow when its education system becomes part of a political performance.

So as the nation claps for the First Lady’s new title, we must ask: What message is this sending? Is this PhD about national development, or is it just another badge of political privilege?

Leaders should lead by example. If they value education, they must show it through hard work, honesty, and commitment to learning. A degree should not be a trophy — it should be proof of effort and knowledge.

Zimbabwe is in deep economic and political trouble. What the country needs is not more fake degrees, but real solutions. Real leadership. Real education. That’s how we build a future.

The First Lady’s new title may impress some, but it should also remind us of what education is really for — to learn, to serve, and to grow. If our leaders can’t respect that, then maybe they’re not the examples we need.