DIG Masengeli sues USIU-Africa over PhD dissertation exams

Deputy Inspector General Gilbert Masengeli has filed a lawsuit against United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa), alleging that the institution delayed informing him of his PhD dissertation examination results, threatening his participation in the September 2026 graduation ceremony. Masengeli, who leads the Administration Police Service, pursued his Doctor of Philosophy in International Relations at USIU-Africa, concluding his coursework in August 2023 and starting the dissertation process under Dr. Francis Khayundi.

He submitted his final dissertation proposal on May 30, 2025, and received approval for defence on December 15, 2025. Masengeli claims he obtained Institutional Review Board approval, conducted fieldwork, and submitted drafts for review, but the university failed to communicate the results of the examination or any outstanding requirements by August 31.

The university's response to his demands for information on September 4 did not specify the necessary requirements, disclose the outcome of the examination, or provide a timeline for resolution. Masengeli argues that this conduct violates his constitutional rights, including the right to fair administrative action and education, and seeks declarations that he has met the program's requirements and that the university's actions were unlawful and unreasonable.