Online Reporter
Obey Musiwa and Alicia Kadziti
ZIMBABWE Open University marked a major milestone in its history with the launch of its silver jubilee commemorative book, “Open Doors, Open Minds: ZOU’s Silver Jubilee Reflections”, at an event held in Harare on Wednesday night.
The book chronicles the university’s journey over the past 25 years, highlighting its contributions to revolutionising Zimbabwe’s education landscape through open distance electronic education.
It showcases ZOU’s commitment to academic excellence, innovation and community engagement, aligning with the Government’s vision and Heritage-Based Education 5.0 aimed at producing a skilled workforce capable of driving the country’s industrialisation and achieving technological sovereignty.
Documenting the university’s journey and achievements, the book emphasises the power of education in transforming lives and promoting national development.
Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Minister Dr Frederick Shava said ZOU’s commitment to academic excellence and strategic initiatives has empowered individuals through lifelong learning.
“Over the span of 25 years, Zimbabwe Open University has made remarkable strides in enhancing accessibility and inclusivity in higher education.
“It has embraced a decentralised delivery model, establishing a regional campus in each province, and district centres to support regions in some select districts, thereby facilitating proximity of educational opportunities to the doorsteps of students,” he said.
Minister Shava said the Second Republic is unwavering in revolutionising higher and tertiary education through integrating indigenous knowledge systems and decolonising academic institutions’ curricula.
“The ministry developed the Zimbabwe National Qualifications Framework (ZNQF) to facilitate credit transfer and student mobility, ensuring that our higher education system is dynamic, inclusive, and aligned with global standards while remaining true to our identity.
“These efforts are aimed at producing graduates equipped to respond innovatively to local and global challenges, foster societal transformation, and position Zimbabwe as a knowledge-driven economy,” he said.
The national thrust under the leadership of President Mnangagwa is building a Higher and Tertiary Education system that produces skilled young people capable of keeping pace with today’s shifting industrial and technological terrain.
In this regard, Zimbabwe Open University Vice Chancellor, Professor Emeritus Paul Gundani said “Open Doors, Open Minds: ZOU’s Silver Jubilee Reflections,” represents intellectual curiosity, reflecting the institution’s mission to promote critical thinking, creativity and exploration.
“The book chronicles ZOU’s transformation since 1999, showcasing its growth into a leading Open Distance and eLearning institution, driven by Education 5.0 and national philosophies.
“The 18 chapters chronicle the metamorphosis of ZOU and its milestones from its modest, but vibrant genesis in 1999 to its ascension to a preeminent ODeL institution, thereby fulfilling the governmental imperative of expanding educational access and cultivating human capital,” Prof Gundani said.
