Online Reporter
Wallace Ruzvidzo in Chinhoyi
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa yesterday presided over an historic graduation ceremony at Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT) where he installed the institution’s third Vice Chancellor as the university celebrated its silver jubilee.
Professor Irvin Mpofu succeeds Professor David Jambgwa Simbi, who retired earlier this year.
The President conferred degrees and diplomas on 3 495 students.
Of the graduates, 1 748 were females, and 1 747 were males.
From the cohort, 2 585 obtained undergraduate degrees from the Schools of Engineering Sciences and Technology; Entrepreneurship and Business Sciences; Agricultural Sciences and Technology;
Hospitality and Tourism; Art and Design; Wildlife, Ecology and Conservation; Health Science and Technology; Natural Sciences and Mathematics; and the Institute of Material Sciences,
Processing and Engineering Technology.
There were also 779 postgraduate degree graduates comprising 422 males and 357 females.
Sixty-two people graduated with postgraduate diplomas, with 38 being males and 24 females.
Seventeen graduated with Masters by Research, 47 with Doctoral by Research and 15 with Doctor of Science in Strategic Management.
Among those who graduated were Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe, who graduated with a Doctor of Philosophy in the School of Entrepreneurship and Business
Sciences and Commissioner General in the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services Commissioner Moses Cyril Ngawaite Chihobvu, who graduated with a Doctor of Science in Strategic Management.
The graduation ceremony also coincided with CUT’s silver jubilee celebrations, marking 25 years of existence and service to Zimbabwe and beyond.
Writing on his X handle yesterday, President Mnangagwa hailed the country’s progress towards gender equity in education.
“As Chancellor of State Universities, I am honoured to have presided over this milestone event today, where I conferred degrees and diplomas upon a total of 3 495 exceptional graduands.
Demonstrating our national progress toward true gender equity in higher education, this year’s cohort is beautifully balanced, comprising 1 748 males and 1 747 females,” the President said.
“Ahead of the main proceedings, it was my distinct privilege to officially install Professor Irvin Dennis Tapera Mpofu as the 3rd Vice Chancellor of http://CUT. Prof. Mpofu is an esteemed scholar with over 90 publications, holding a PhD in Animal Science from the University of Pretoria. More importantly, he is a resolute champion of our Heritage-Based Education 5.0 philosophy.
“Under his leadership, we look forward to CUT continuing to spearhead innovation, industrialisation, and production that directly transforms the Zimbabwean economy. Congratulations to all the graduands, their families, and the entire CUT community!” he said.
In his remarks, acting Vice Chancellor Professor William Goriwondo said the President’s unwavering commitment to excellence in higher education, innovation, science, and technology continued to inspire the country’s national development agenda, as Zimbabwe advanced towards Vision 203l To Page 3
“At Chinhoyi University of Technology, we have fully embraced the Heritage-Based Education 5.0 philosophy. Your Excellency, we remain grateful for your vision and leadership in championing this transformative education model.
“Our student enrolment currently stands at 10 464, reflecting sustained confidence in our programmes.
“We continue to grow postgraduate education, strengthen research capacity, increase enrolment in Master’s, M.Phil., and Doctoral programmes, and this has positioned CUT as a University of choice for advanced studies” he said.
Prof Goriwondo said one of CUT’s most exciting developments was the establishment of the CUT Medical School under the School of Health Sciences and Technology, with the establishment of two programmes at an advanced stage.
“Laboratory renovations are nearing completion, programme regulations have been submitted for accreditation, specialists have largely been identified, and the procurement of teaching equipment is underway.
“We are also advancing plans for a Biomedical Engineering degree programme, bringing together engineering and medicine to develop technologies that improve healthcare delivery and outcomes.
“At our Campus, preparations continue for the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in Mining Engineering and Mineral Beneficiation. Research and innovation remain central to our institutional identity,” he said.
On this year’s graduating class, which was approximately 50-50 between males and females, the acting Vice Chancellor said this demonstrated the tertiary institution’s continued commitment to widening access to quality higher education.
“Our graduates distinguished themselves through exceptional academic achievement,” he said.
On other developments at CUT, Prof Goriwondo said existing hostels are undergoing refurbishment, while construction continues on the University Chapel, the new teaching facilities, as well as all the other supporting infrastructure.
“A university’s success is measured not only by the quality of its academic programmes, but also by the environment in which students learn and grow,” he said.
Prof Goriwondo also took time to congratulate the President on the enactment of the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Act, 2026 CAA3 and Zimbabwe’s securing of the non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2027-2028 term.
Meanwhile, Minister Kazembe said he was elated to have completed the next level in his academic journey.
“I’m very excited, very relieved; it’s been a long journey, tiring, challenging, but here we are. I’m so excited,” he said.
Nyarai Chaibva and Tanatswa Bhasera were awarded the US$1 000 Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa award for overall best graduating female and male students, respectively.
On the other hand, Plaxcedes Siziba and Benson Nyamupinga were awarded the US$500 Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa award for overall second best graduating female and male students, respectively.
