President caps 2 394 graduands in Bindura

Wallace Ruzvidzo in Bindura

President Mnangagwa, who is the Chancellor of all State Universities, yesterday presided over the Bindura University of Science Education (BUSE)’s 23rd graduation ceremony where he capped 2 394 graduates, 1 246 women and 1 148 men. 

There were 516 graduates from the Faculty of Science Education, 459 from the Faculty of Science and Engineering, 431 from the Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Science, 774 from the Faculty of Commerce and 214 from the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities.

Seven graduated with doctorates, 28 with postgraduate diplomas, 422 with master’s degrees, 1 667 with first degrees and 270 with diplomas. Two students graduated posthumously.

The President recognised outstanding graduates under the Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa Chancellor’s Award, with the overall best male and female graduates each pocketing US$1  000. 

Malvin Nkomo (Bachelor of Science Honours in Agricultural Engineering) and Tanaka Chitsato (Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Agricultural Economics and Management) received the prizes. 

Nkomo said he had been “thrilled” to have been awarded the prize. “I am really thrilled by this opportunity because it’s something that I did not expect. I was actually betting on someone else but by the grace of God here I am.” 

Chitsato said she was elated at being the best female student.  “I am very happy that I have won the cash prize, I did not expect it and I am happy that my family supported me throughout my studies.”

Herald Reporter Talent Chimutambgi graduated with a Master of Science Degree in International Relations.

“As a journalist I will contribute to building the image of the country globally considering that Zimbabwe, under President Mnangagwa, has opened its doors wide open for investors through the Zimbabwe is Open for Business mantra. This is possible only if we create a better image in the international community,” said Chimutambgi.

BUSE Vice-Chancellor Professor Eddie Mwenje said as a tertiary institution they were committed to aiding the country’s attainment of an upper-middle-class economy by 2030.

“Your university is fully aware that Vision 2030 sets a broad and ambitious agenda premised on innovation and industrialisation as the country moves towards the achievement of the goals that underpin the vision. To that end, the university has fully embraced innovation and industrialisation as part of its core mandate. 

“Consistent with the Education 5.0 paradigm, your university has not only embraced this shift but has enshrined it as its mission, hence our theme today: ‘Priming Bindura University of Science Education for the delivery of Vision 2030 through innovation and industrialisation’,” he said.

Prof Mwenje said BUSE was also heeding the call by President Mnangagwa for increased innovations and modernisation. To this end the institution had fully adopted artificial intelligence.

“We are confident that our innovative projects will touch the length and breadth of the country as well as generations to come. Some of the projects include the cell phone, tablet and laptop project, various software applications, the gold genetic improvement project, the eye lenses manufacturing and sodium silicate projects to mention but a few. 

“We encourage both the public and private sectors to embrace the local innovations coming out of our institutions as there has been hesitance at times in embracing homegrown solutions.

“The university has fully embraced Artificial Intelligence as demonstrated in part by its appointment of the first professor of AI in the country,” said Prof Mwenje.

The Vice-Chancellor congratulated the students for having excelled in their studies.

“To the Class of 2024, the graduates and their guests, today is an important day for you because it marks the consummation of a transformation process that has been taking place over a number of years. 

“We congratulate you most heartily on persevering, on completing your studies. May you, together with the people who have supported you in your studies, your parents, families and sponsors, enjoy this memorable day as we share it together,” he said.