Online Reporter
Good morning, everyone
Welcome to our live coverage of Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences’ 4th congregation for the conferment of degrees at the higher learning institution’s Fernhill campus just outside Mutare.
President Mnangagwa will preside at the graduation ceremony to cap the graduates, while top achievers will receive awards.
The event is running under the theme “Knowledge and Innovation in Action: Advancing Zimbabwe’s Future Through Applied Sceinces”.
Join us as our team of Samuel Kadungure and Tinai Nyadzayo on the ground brings us up-to-the-minute updates and insights from this significant event, highlighting the tertiary institution’s commitment to research, innovation and sustainable development.
Stay tuned . . .
All set for the graduation ceremony
The stage is set for the graduation ceremony, with Cabinet Ministers, senior Government officials, MSUAS staff and diginitaries from other higher learning institutions already at the venue
President Mnangagwa to cap 198 at MSUAS
President Mnangagwa is presiding at the MSUAS fourth graduation ceremony, where he is set to confer degrees on 198 graduands
President Mnangagwa for MSUAS graduation ceremony
President Mnangagwa has arrived at the Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences (MSUAS) for the fourth graduation ceremony.
He was received by the Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Minister, Honourable Dr Frederick Shava, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere, senior Government, ZANU PF, and university officials
President Mnangagwa has declared the congregation of the Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences duly constituted as the fourth graduation ceremony
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Notable progress in MSUAS infrastructure development
MSUAS Vice-Chancellor Professor Albert Chawanda takes to the podium to give his address.
Professor Chawanda said the university has made notable progress in infrastructure development.
“I am pleased to report that the construction of two halls of residence, each with a capacity of 100 beds, is now at 65 percent completion. We are deeply grateful to your government for availing the resources necessary for the realisation of these important facilities,” he said.
“Furthermore, Your Excellency and Chancellor, we are sincerely thankful to your Government, through the parent Ministry, for securing a bus for the University. This intervention will go a long way in alleviating the transport challenges faced by both students and staff, thereby creating a more enabling environment for learning, research and community engagement.”
He expressed gratitude to the parent ministry towards the establishment of a vibrant Innovation and Agro-Industrial Park. The initiative has created new revenue streams for the varsity while fostering research, innovation and community development.
“We are deeply grateful for your leadership and vision in making this project a reality. We are witnessing its positive impact not only on our academic community, but also on the wider economy.
The next hhase of this initiative will see the establishment of a stockfeed manufacturing plant at the Innovation and Agro-Industrial Park, complemented by the Makoni Community Out-growers Scheme feeding into the business venture,” he said.
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Staff development key for varsity
Professor Chawanda said the greatest asset to the varsity is its personnel.
He said their staff development programme has made significant strides with PhD holders among the teaching staff increasing from 30 to 37, with a further 16 faculty members currently at various stages of their doctoral studies.
“This growth is more than a statistic; it is a reflection of our unwavering commitment to strengthening academic capacity, nurturing a culture of research, and upholding the highest standards of scholarly excellence. By investing in the development of our staff, we are ensuring that our students receive world-class education, our research remains globally competitive, and our university continues to serve as a beacon of knowledge and innovation,” he said.
He said of the 198 graduands, 24 graduated with awards, including six who are graduating with First Class passes.
Gwarada Tamia is the overall best Female Student, receiving “The Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa Chancellor’s Award of US$1 000” while Chimano Wonder is the overall Best Male Student receiving “The Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa Chancellor’s Award of US$1 000”.
In addition, four (4) students received “The Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa Chancellor’s Awards” of US$500 each.
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Graduands challenged to embrace new chapter
Speaking directly to the Class of 2025, Professor Chawanda said today should not mark the end of their academic journey, but the beginning of a new chapter filled with possibilities.
He said the skills they gained are their greatest asset — a foundation on which they can build entrepreneurial ventures, innovative solutions, and impactful contributions to national development.
Professor Chawanda has finished his address, paving the way for President Mnangagwa to confer degrees, beginning with the Department of Chemical and Processing Engineering.
