Online Reporter
Fungai Lupande
Mashonaland Central Bureau
THE Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University has unveiled a wide range of new degree programmes as it positions itself to respond to emerging global trends in technology, governance, business and innovation.
Speaking at the university’s 10th graduation ceremony on Friday, the university’s Vice Chancellor Professor Innocent Chirisa said the institution was expanding its academic offerings to meet industry demands and strengthen innovation-driven education aligned with Zimbabwe’s industrialisation agenda and Vision 2030.
Among 17 new programmes to be introduced are Bachelor of Science Honours Degrees in Management in Combat Design Systems and Technology, Motor Vehicle Assembly Engineering, Architecture and Green Building Design Technology, Criminology and Media Mediation, Development Planning and Management, and Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Business Systems.
The university will also introduce Bachelor of Education degrees in Governance and Leadership, Inclusive Education, and Educational Philosophy and Creative Practice, as well as a Bachelor of Commerce Honours Degree in Procurement and Ethical Sourcing.
At postgraduate level, the institution unveiled programmes including a Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work, Postgraduate Diploma in Technical Education, Master of Education in Energy Development, Master of Laws in Private Business Law, Master of Science in Supply Chain Management, and Master of Philosophy and Doctor of Philosophy degrees.
Prof Chirisa said the programmes are part of efforts to align higher and tertiary education with industrialisation, innovation and modern technological demands.
These additional degree programmes have been submitted to the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education and await accreditation.
“This year’s focus is on strategic technology and industrialisation, unlocking value from local commodities through innovation, economic growth and transformation,” said Pof Chirisa.
He said the programmes were designed to equip graduates with practical and innovative skills necessary to drive economic transformation and sustainable development.
A total of 643 students were capped during the ceremony, which also marked the institution’s 14th anniversary.
Of the graduates, 438 were women while 205 were men, meaning female students constituted 68,12 percent of the graduating class, reflecting growing participation of women in higher education.
A total of 565 graduates received honours degrees, nine attained postgraduate diplomas, while 50 graduated with diplomas and others obtained master’s degrees.
Since 2015, ZEGU has cumulatively produced 3 353 graduates in fields including law, development studies, business, social work and management.
Professor Chirisa said the institution remained committed to producing graduates capable of responding to contemporary global challenges.
He also commented the graduation of several pastors, saying modern religious leadership now requires an appreciation of both scripture and evolving global trends.
The institution further revealed that through its College of Life Learning, several diploma and certificate programmes have been introduced, with at least 15 diploma students enrolling daily.
“ZEGU is strengthening technical and innovation streams through the establishment of a Design and Production Unit, which successfully produced the graduation regalia worn during the ceremony,” said the Vice-Chancellor.
The university also highlighted major strides in digital transformation and artificial intelligence readiness through investments in ICT infrastructure, enterprise systems, cyber security and digital technologies.
Key developments include internet connectivity upgrades, deployment of Sophos XGS-certified cybersecurity solutions, backup systems and off-site servers, as well as online institutional systems for planning, accommodation, voting, employee evaluation and resource management.
ZEGU also highlighted growing international partnerships through memoranda of understanding signed with foreign institutions, including the University of Hebei Teaching Alliance in China.
As part of its internationalisation drive, four students and two staff members participated in an exchange programme in Italy between December 2025 and February 2026, while university staff also attended leadership and institutional quality assurance training programmes in Germany.
