Defence college set for upgrade

Herald Reporter
The Zimbabwe National Defence College will soon be upgraded to national university status following gazetting of the Zimbabwe National Defence University Bill on Friday.

This is contained in the latest Government Gazette published last week.

The university will be established as a service to the Zimbabwe Defence Forces.

The President shall be the Chancellor of the university.

“He shall have the right to preside over any assembly or meeting and recommend the Council and the Senate,” reads the gazette.

“The Chancellor shall confer degrees, diplomas and other awards and distinctions of the university and to withdraw or restore any such awards.”

Interviews for applicants to be considered for the Vice Chancellor and Commandant posts, will be held by a joint committee of the Council and the Senate.

“The university shall also consist of one or more Pro Vice-Chancellors, members of the Council, Senate and staff.”

“Terms and conditions of service for each category of staff including the Vice Chancellor and Commandant and every Pro Vice- Chancellor, shall be determined by the council in consultation with the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development.

“The minister shall endeavour to ensure that at least half of the appointed members of the university are women.

“Funds for the university shall come from an endowment fund, monies appropriated by Parliament, commercial investments and tuition.”

The university will not be discriminatory.

“No test or religion or political belief, race, ethnic origin, nationality or gender shall be imposed upon or be required of any person in order to entitle him/her to be admitted as a member of staff or student.

The university will be one of the research organs of the Zimbabwe National Security Council.

“It will be a national strategic analysis and advisory institution and premier institution of higher learning for defence and security.

“It shall also provide higher education and training in national policy and strategy formulation for military and civilian leaders.

“The objective of the university is also to nurture and preserve the spirit of unity and patriotism in pursuit of sustainable moral, social and economic growth for the country.”