By Own Correspondent

THE country’s premier distance learning institution, Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) has ordered an audit on all claim forms submitted by the part time lecturers after sniffing out some irregularities.

 In a recent update, the university said the procedure was deemed necessary in order to be very sure of what exactly has to be paid out.

“We observed some irregularities on some claims submitted by part-time tutors, which necessitated a comprehensive audit. In turn this has caused delays in payments to some of the staff members,” said ZOU.

The institution however maintained that there will be no loss of value whatsoever since the lecturers will be paid at a premium pegged against the US$.

“Part-time tutor rates are pegged in USD [United States dollars] and paid at the exchange rate ruling on the day of payment to ensure that there is no loss of value.”

Some of the lecturers have cried fouls for not receiving their allowances for August to November 2022 and February to June 2023 semesters.

The university is also reportedly failing to provide students with basic learning facilities and such tools as internet and modules.

Officials at the university have been accused of splurging huge sums of money on rentals for office buildings and buying new vehicles for top management, while neglecting workers.