In a notice, ZOU said it does not sell, distribute or authorise the sale of its certificates through advertisements, online marketplaces or any third parties.
“ZOU wishes to notify its stakeholders, current and prospective students, that it does not sell, distribute, or authorise the sale of its academic certificates through any advertising, third-party online marketplace, or offline channels,” the university said.
The institution said any attempt to create, sell or obtain fraudulent qualifications was a serious criminal offence.
“The University regards the creation and sale of such items as a serious criminal act of forgery and a gross violation of institutional integrity,” the notice reads.
ZOU said its qualifications are recognised both locally and internationally and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the integrity and value of its academic awards.
The university also urged employers, immigration authorities and other organisations to verify qualifications directly through its official channels before accepting them.
“Employers, immigration authorities, and other stakeholders are urged to verify all ZOU qualifications directly through the University’s official channels,” the university said.
ZOU warned that any certificate presented as having been issued by the institution, but not obtained through the official graduation process, should be regarded as invalid.
“Any certificate presented from ZOU that was not obtained through the official graduation process is null and void,” the notice states.