adminProsper Ndlovu Senior Reporter
THE National University of Science and Technology (Nust)’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Lindela Ndlovu, yesterday challenged institutions of higher learning to stimulate economic growth and development by providing knowledge based solutions to the challenges facing the country.Addressing academics during the 2nd annual research day organised by the university’s Institute of Development Studies (IDS-Nust), Prof Ndlovu challenged tertiary institutions to seize opportunities offered in the economic environment and occupy the driving seat for national progress.
“The contributions of higher education and research to economic development are well elaborated in key policy documents of this university. Nust sees research as a strategic tool in steering and transforming the country’s economy into a more inclusive and therefore more productive economy,” said Prof Ndlovu.
“This can be achieved through the provision of knowledge-based solutions to scientific, technological, economic and social challenges. Let us seize this commitment gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character than giving our all in order to produce quality education and research.”
Prof Ndlovu said it was the responsibility of institutions of higher learning to help the nation prevent and manage disasters and limiting the costs of emergencies.
He said economic, political and social concerns arising in the country were calling for the intervention of tertiary learning institutions whose ideas should guide policy formulation.
Prof Ndlovu challenged all departments in the university to show commitment towards increasing their contribution to economic growth and development in their quest for excellence and relevance.
Speaking at the same occasion IDS-Nust director Dr Peter Nkala said the workshop was meant to showcase completed and on-going research at the institution as well as create a platform of academic interaction on various issues of development focused research.
During the workshop various research projects that have been done and concluded by researchers at IDS-NUST since the launch of the institute on in August 2011 were presented.
The research documents covered several areas such as agriculture and natural resource management, climate, water and energy, development and governance, disaster risk reduction, migration, peace building and conflict resolution. The one day workshop ran under the theme “Engaging communities for a better tomorrow through participatory research and innovation” and was attended by renowned academics and practitioners in different fields of study within and outside the institution.
The workshop was meant to stimulate ideas and promote interaction and exchange of thoughts and information on different dimensions of development studies.
Online Reporter