Online Reporter
Samuel Kadungure
New Editor
THE Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences (MSUAS) held its fourth graduation ceremony today, where President Emmerson Mnangagwa conferred degrees on 198 graduands.
The ceremony was attended by Defence Minister Honourable Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Dr Frederick Shava, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere and Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza.
Other attendees included senior Government, ZANU PF and university officials, traditional leaders, industry captains, parents, and guardians.
Notably, 24 graduands received awards, with six achieving first-class passes. The graduating class comprised 49 percent females and 51 percent males, demonstrating the university’s commitment to promoting gender equity and inclusivity.
Gwarada Tamia was the overall best female student, and received The Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa Chancellor’s Award of US$1 000, while Chimano Wonder was the overall best male student, and also received the same award. Four other students received The Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa Chancellor’s Awards of US$500 each.
The graduation ran under the theme – Knowledge and Innovation in Action: Building Zimbabwe’s Future through Applied Sciences – resonating with Vision 2030 – predicated on research and innovation to underpin sustainable production, industrialisation, and national development.
MSUAS Vice-Chancellor Professor Albert Chawanda said the university continues to align its teaching, research, and innovation mandate with the broader national aspirations championed by the President.
Professor Chahwanda said the university secured funding to develop a driver sleep detection system designed to enhance road safety in the country.
He also expressed his gratitude for gGvernment support towards the establishment of an Innovation and Agro-Industrial Park at its campus in Headlands, which has created new revenue streams while fostering research, innovation, and community development.
“The next phase 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. We are also proud to inform you that plans for the establishment of a game park are now at advanced stage. We have secured the licensing from the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), and the animal stocking process is currently underway. This project will enrich our educational programmes, while also promoting tourism and hospitality activities in our region. These achievements, are not solely the result of our ingenuity but represent a collective success story forged by the efforts of individuals and stakeholders who continue to unite their hands and minds for the betterment of our motherland, Zimbabwe,” he said.
Professor Chawanda said that through their staff development programme, the number of PhD holders among its teaching staff has increased from 30 to 37, with a further 16 at various stages of their doctoral studies.
On infrastructure development, Professor Chawanda said the university is constructing two dormitories, now 65 percent complete, each with a capacity of 100 beds.
