MSU honours Prof Bhebe

Midlands State University yesterday urged all graduates to wear academic regalia to celebrate the illustrious academic life of the late Prof Emeritus Ngwabi Bhebe, the founding vice chancellor who died last week.

Prof Bhebe succumbed to diabetes last Friday, aged 81, and was declared a national hero by the Government in recognition of his vast contribution to the development of tertiary education in the country, and to the struggle for independence. He is set to be buried at the National Heroes Acre in Harare on Saturday, according to a family spokesperson.

In honour of his contribution to the establishment and development of MSU, the university urged graduates of the tertiary institution to wear their academic regalia under the hastag #Gown4ProfBhebe.

“Attention all students and graduates of Professor Emeritus Ngwabi Bhebe! Let’s all celebrate the illustrious academic life of this legendary educator and founding Vice Chancellor of Midlands State University. Post your picture wearing your academic regalia, from degree level to PhD, and join the global tribute to academic excellence,” said the University.

In its condolence message, the university said it was deeply saddened by the death of Prof Bhebe, an internationally acclaimed scholar.

“It is with a heavy heart that Midlands State University learns of the passing of our founding Vice Chancellor, Professor Emeritus Ngwabi Mulunge Bhebe. We are deeply saddened by this tragic news and extend our heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family, particularly his widow, Dr Faith Ntabeni-Bhebe, his children and grandchildren, the MSU community and the entire higher and tertiary education fraternity,” said the  university.

Among many of his scholarly and administrative positions of authority at home and abroad, Prof Bhebe was a trustee of the Zimbabwe Mass Media Trust, chairperson of the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education, council member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities, Alternate Member of the Governing Board of the Association of African Universities, board member of Ziscosteel (Pvt) Ltd Zimbabwe and founding Executive Member of the Southern African Regional Universities Association. — New Ziana.