Questions Raised Over Last-Minute Cancellation of ZIMSEC Computer Studies Exam at Lighthouse Institute in Chitungwiza

Questions are being raised over the handling of ZIMSEC examination arrangements at Lighthouse Institute in Chitungwiza after students were reportedly informed, on 29 September 2026, that they would not sit for Computer Studies on 1 October.

According to information provided to this publication, the affected students had spent months preparing for the examination and had already paid their ZIMSEC examination fees. Some families say they were given no clear explanation for the late change.

One parent, who asked that the matter be brought to public attention, said the examination fee for their child was paid on time on 16 March 2026. The parent said the family only learned on 29 September—two days before the scheduled examination—that the student would not be allowed to write Computer Studies this year.

The parent further alleged that the school offered a refund to students who could not sit the examination. Those who did not want a refund were reportedly told that they could instead write the subject in June 2027.

The development has left parents and students seeking answers. In particular, they want to know why the students were allegedly excluded at such a late stage, why the school did not communicate the situation earlier, and what happened to the examination fees paid by families months in advance.

The timing is especially concerning because students had already invested considerable time, money and effort in preparing for the examination. A last-minute notification can also create academic and emotional hardship, particularly for candidates who had expected to complete the subject during the current examination cycle.

The circumstances raise questions about whether the school fulfilled its responsibilities to the affected candidates and whether parents were given accurate and timely information about their children’s examination registration. However, the available account does not by itself establish that Lighthouse Institute defrauded students. The allegation should be independently investigated, and the school should be given an opportunity to explain what happened.

Attempts were reportedly made to contact the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education for comment, but no response had been received at the time of writing. The Ministry and ZIMSEC should urgently clarify whether the affected candidates were properly registered, whether the school was authorised to offer Computer Studies in the current examination session, and why the students were informed so close to the examination date.

The relevant authorities should also establish how the fees paid by the candidates were handled, whether refunds will be made promptly and in full, and what support will be available to students who are compelled to defer the examination to June 2027.

Parents and students deserve transparent answers. If the school made an administrative error, those affected should not be left to bear the academic and financial consequences. If there was a registration or compliance problem, the responsible institution should account for it. And if the school acted properly, it should publicly provide the documentation and explanation needed to resolve the concerns.

This publication is seeking comment from Lighthouse Institute, ZIMSEC and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education. Their responses will be added if received.

Key questions for the investigation

• Were the affected students formally registered for the 2026 Computer Studies examination?

• When did the school or examination authorities first become aware of any problem?

• Why were students reportedly notified only on 29 September, shortly before the 1 October examination?

• Who collected and processed the examination fees paid by the candidates?

• Will all affected families receive full refunds, and when?

• What safeguards will prevent students from losing an academic year because of an institutional or administrative failure?