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yesterday implored graduates across the country to serve the nation in their different capacities to improve standards of living.
In a speech read on his behalf by director of university education in the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Mrs Martha Muguti, during the graduation of 995 students at the Bulawayo Polytechnic, Dr Mbizvo said it was vital for the graduates to use their knowledge and skills in developing the nation.
“It is vital for you to continue developing the knowledge and skills you have acquired, make your contribution towards the turnaround of the Zimbabwean economy,” he said.
Dr Mbizvo said skilled manpower was needed in the country to improve quality of services.
“Our mission as a ministry is to provide an effective system for the production of highly competent human capital.
“Education of youths in this nation and skilled manpower will result in improved quality of service delivery,” said Dr Mbizvo.
He said education was the most powerful weapon which could be used to change the world.
Dr Mbizvo encouraged staff members at the Bulawayo Polytechnic to keep up the good standard in education.
In his annual report, Bulawayo Polytechnic principal Dr Temba Petros Ndlovu said it was important for the graduates to contribute towards the development of the nation.
“Use your acquired skill well and bring a great change in our society. A man should do his job so well that the living, the dead and the unborn could do it no better.
“Education is the key to alleviate poverty, promote peace, conserve the environment, improve the quality of life for all and help achieve sustainable development. The secret to a successful life is love what you do and do what you love,” said Dr Ndlovu.
He said the Bulawayo Polytechnic was improving its productivity despite financial constraints.
“As an institution we have managed to pull out of financial constraints that were faced in the previous years. Due to slow but persistent improvement in financial resources, we have continued to purchase material resources to improve our productivity,” said Dr Ndlovu.
He said the Bulawayo Polytechnic pass rate had improved from the previous years.
“The main reason for the ceremony is to acknowledge and celebrate the success of the 2011 graduates. The overall pass rate in 2011 was 81 percent as compared to 48 percent in 2010 despite losing 18 members of staff.
“The number of courses offered increased from 14 in 2011 to 23 in 2012. There has been an increase from 306 in 2011 to 598 in 2012 in guilds and professional courses. There is also an increase in the student population with 4 157 in 2011 and 4 010 in 2010. This is a sign that shows we are heading towards the right direction as Bulawayo Polytechnic,” he said.
Dr Ndlovu said the institution managed to buy 32 laptops, 21 printers, 108 computers, 1 100 chairs and desks, library books, training consumables and sports equipment.
The 995 graduated with diplomas in disciplines such as adult continuing education, applied art and design, applied science and technology, automotive engineering, civil and construction engineering, commerce, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering and hospitality and tourism.
Some graduates received prizes including cash, hampers and vouchers for excelling in their disciplines.
Online Reporter