Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo [email protected]
EDUCATION remains the foundation upon which industrialisation, entrepreneurship and sustainable development are built, Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Deputy Minister Simelisizwe Sibanda has said.
Speaking at Bulawayo Polytechnic’s 97th graduation ceremony on Friday, Deputy Minister Sibanda said the Government, under President Mnangagwa, had placed emphasis on ensuring that education responds to national development priorities.
He said the country’s Heritage-Based Education 5.0 model required tertiary institutions to move beyond traditional teaching, research and community service to embrace innovation, industrialisation and commercialisation.
“Heritage-Based Education 5.0 challenges institutions to go beyond teaching, research and community service, to embrace innovation, industrialisation and commercialisation as integral components of their mandate.
“Education remains the foundation upon which industrialisation, entrepreneurship and sustainable development are built,” he said.
Deputy Minister Sibanda challenged tertiary institutions to produce graduates equipped with academic qualifications as well as practical competencies, entrepreneurial mindsets and innovative capabilities to meet the demands of the 21st century.
He said Bulawayo Polytechnic had continued to play an important role in developing skills required by industry and contributing to community development.
“Bulawayo Polytechnic remains steadfast in its mission to produce competent industrial specialists, foster innovation and contribute meaningfully to community development. Over the years, the institution has grown from strength to strength in delivering quality TVET education,” he said.
The institution now offers three Bachelor of Technology degree programmes in affiliation with the National University of Science and Technology (NUST).
Deputy Minister Sibanda said student enrolment at the polytechnic had increased to 6 588, comprising 3 561 males and 3 027 females.
Of the total enrolment, 4 387 students — 2 874 males and 1 513 females — are pursuing programmes in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
He welcomed the increasing participation of women in STEM programmes and urged more female students to pursue studies in the critical fields.
“Encouragingly, more young women are embracing STEM programmes, and I urge even greater participation by female students in these critical fields,” he said.
