Online Reporter
Debra Matabvu-Herald Reporter
President Mnangagwa yesterday capped 2,371 graduates at Bindura University’s 25th graduation ceremony, where women comprised 53 percent of the cohort.
This came as the institution announced its official renaming to Bindura University of Science, Innovation and Technology as it pivots toward high-tech manufacturing and commercial ventures under Zimbabwe’s Education 5.0 model.
The university pledged to continue producing graduates who contribute to the country’s socio-economic development.
The President conferred doctorates, master’s, undergraduate degrees and diplomas in various disciplines, including Science Education, Engineering, Agriculture and Environmental Science, Social Science and Humanities, Commerce and Graduate School of Business.
Bindura University of Science Education Chancellor President Mnangagwa converses with Vice Chancellor Professor Eddie Mwenje at the institution’s 25th graduation ceremony in Bindura yesterday. — Pictures: Chief Photographer Believe Nyakudjara.
BUSE Vice Chancellor Professor Eddie Mwenje said the institution was committed to preparing graduates who translate knowledge into practical solutions that contribute to the country’s socio-economic development.
“The theme of this ceremony — Positioning the University for effective delivery of the national development strategy 2 and the realisation of vision 2030 — is not a slogan for a day,” he said.
“It is a statement of institutional commitment. It says clearly and without qualification that Bindura University of Science Education does not exist merely to confer degrees.
“It exists to prepare minds, develop character, create knowledge, translate that knowledge into solutions, goods and services and help Zimbabwe build the future it deserves.”
Professor Mwenje also shared that the institution had received Government approval to change the University’s name, with authorities now finalising the process.
He said the change of name will reaffirm the University’s ambition into a science and innovation hub.
“We have received Government approval in principle for change of this University’s name- from Bindura University of Science Education to Bindura University of Science Innovation and Technology,” Professor Mwenje added.
“We await conclusion of the necessary legal processes before we formally adopt this new identity.
The President poses with Overall Best Students and recipients of the Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa Chancellor’s Award at the institution’s 25th graduation ceremony yesterday.
“When the day arrives, it will mark the most tangible expression yet of what this institution has been growing into across three decades: a University defined not by its origins alone, but by its ambition- as a national engine science, innovation and industrial transformation.”
Professor Mwenje also highlighted the institution’s accomplishments over the past year which include commissioning of the Palpo technologies which has since produced and sold about 4 200 devices to other state universities, private organisations, schools in Binga while some countries in the SADC region have made requests.
The institution also completed a shopping mall this year which houses Inno Park Supermarket, eyes service centre, a curio shop and an electronics outlet.
Jubilant graduates break into song and dance.
In addition, the University has developed a digital marketplace named ZimbaZon which sells Zimbabwe goods online, while an eye lens production unit is now fully operational and serves optical prescriptions for optometrists across Mashonaland Central province and beyond.
Professor Mwenje also said the institution had trained 2600 community members in Muzarabani, Mt Darwin and Gutu East on climate resilient agriculture, apiculture, poultry production, modern livestock production and small grain farming.
He also said that the African Union’s visit to the campus in June this year was an affirmation of the institution’s work that has continental relevance and reach.
“In June, the African union Commission on Education, Science and Technology came to see this work for itself,” he added.
“Its commissioner, Professor Gaspard Banyankimbona, said that Education 5.0 has the potential, and I quote “not only to support Zimbabwe achieve its vision 2030 targets, but the whole of the African continent to attain the objectives of the Agenda 2063.”
“Your Excellency, your philosophy is no longer only Zimbabwe’s. It is being studied by a continent.”
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda (left) and his Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage counterpart Dr Kazembe Kazembe at the colourful event.
He urged the graduates to develop their communities and be true ambassadors of the institution and the country.
Some of the recipients of the Dr ED Mnangagwa Chancellor’s cash prize of US$1 000 include Artwell Goboza, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Crop Science and Rachel Maravanyika who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Communication Science.
Another recipient of the ED Mnangagwa US$1 000 cash prize, .
Recipients of the Dr ED Mnangagwa
US$500 included Onisimo Chimbwanda who graduated with a Bachelor of Science honours degree in Safety Health and Environmental Management and Tatenda Bhasera, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Electronic Engineering.
