Online Reporter
Wallace Ruzvidzo-Herald Reporter
Zimbabwe National Defence University Chancellor, President Mnangagwa yesterday capped 216 graduates — 50 females and 166 males — at the institution’s seventh graduation ceremony.
Thirty-four graduated from the Centre for Defence and Security Studies, 160 from the Faculty of Social Sciences and 22 from the Faculty of Engineering.
Among these were Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Deputy Minister Kudakwashe Mupamhanga and Zanu PF deputy secretary for National Security Cde Tendai Chirau.
Participants for the National Defence Course were drawn from the Zimbabwe National Army, the Air Force of Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services and the President’s Department.
There were eight allied participants from Botswana, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia.
Seven of the participants were female officers from the Zimbabwe National Army, Air Force of Zimbabwe, and the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services.
In his address, ZNDU Vice Chancellor Air Vice Marshal Michael Moyo said the institution was reviewing its marketing strategies to attract more students.
“The university has witnessed a steady, but modest growth in its academic programmes, but regrettably lower enrolment during the 2026 academic year because of a number of variables.
“During the period under review, the Zimbabwe National Defence University’s total enrolment stood at 787 students.
“The mild enrolment growth is still far below expected numbers, due, among other reasons, to stiff competition for students from other well-established universities,” he said.
Air Vice Marshal Moyo said the Faculty of Social Sciences is on course to introducing new degree programmes which are at various stages of programme regulations development and accreditation with the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education (Zimche).
“These programmes include the Bachelor of Science Honours in Economics, the Bachelor of Science Honours in Accounting, the Master of Philosophy and the Doctor of Philosophy in International Studies, Defence and Security Studies and the Conflict Prevention and the Allowing Mechanisms, respectively,” he said.
The Vice Chancellor said the Faculty of Engineering was steadily growing with the creation of new departments and programmes in the engineering field, in particular, Aeronautical Sciences, Computer Sciences, Mechanical and Electrical and Electronic Engineering.
The Faculty is on course to introducing the Master of Science degree in Artificial Intelligence, the Master of Science degree in Data Science, the Master of Science degree in Cyber Security and the Bachelor of Science Honours in Mechatronics.
“These programmes, Your Excellency, are at various stages of accreditation with the Zimche,” he said.
Air Vice Marshal Moyo said the affiliation of ZDF schools to the ZNDU was progressing as planned with the School of Flying Training, the Zimbabwe Staff College and the Zimbabwe Military Academy already running degree programmes under the purview of the ZNDU.
He said major projects undertaken by the University this season include the construction of the 2,5 megalitre water reservoir.
“On matters of innovation, Your Excellency, the University registered three patents with the African Regional Intellectual Property Organisation on 14 April 2026.
“Following the exhibition at the ZITF 2026, the ZNDU received three collaboration proposals in these areas.
“In this regard, the three MoUs and one non-disclosure agreement are under discussion with prospective partners,” said the Vice Chancellor.
