PRESIDENT Mnangagwa yesterday capped 2 385 graduates at the Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU), with the institution attributing its tangible achievements to various Government policies and measures aimed at spurring economic development.
The 23rd graduation ceremony comprised 1 217 female and 569 male undergraduates, while 316 students graduated with master’s degrees.
In addition, 13 graduates were conferred with PhDs, while 191 were post-graduate diplomas and 79 diplomas.
Of those who graduated, 294 were from critical skills programmes introduced to support Zimbabwe’s modernisation and industrialisation agenda.
The critical skills degrees conferred included those in Engineering and Technology, Natural and Applied Sciences, Agriculture, and Law.
President Mnangagwa also commissioned the university’s new Administration, Teaching and Learning Building.
The graduation was held under the theme “Developing Human Capital through Heritage-Based Open and Distance e-learning.”
In his keynote address, ZOU Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Gundani said the university’s various achievements stem from the policies introduced by the Second Republic over the past few years.
“Our graduates are a testament to your Government’s heritage-based education 5.0 policy, rooted in human capital development under the National Development Strategy, NDS1, which is coming to an end at the end of this year, and we look forward to ushering in NDS2 as the year 2026 begins,” he said.
He said various projects being implemented by the students seek to spur the country’s socio-economic development.
“I am personally proud of the civic responsibility that they demonstrated throughout the year.
“Their community initiatives not only demonstrate their dedication to service, community upliftment, and campus improvement, but prepare them to become active citizens who will contribute to the country’s development.
“Indeed, they exemplify the benefits of the heritage-based Education 5.0 doctrine, which you yourself have championed since the dawn of the Second Republic in 2017.”
Prof Gundani outlined a number of the university’s achievements during the year, noting that initiatives such as the establishment of new companies and an agro-industrial park were designed to enhance education and foster entrepreneurship.
“Your Excellency, allow me to move on to the Early Childhood Development Centre of Excellence in Epworth, which we are developing in partnership with the Angel of Hope Foundation,” he said.
“Embracing new ideas and transforming education is a vital part of the Zimbabwe Open University, and I am pleased, Your Excellency, to inform you that ZOU has established a clothing company trading in ZOU clothing and textiles.
“This strategic initiative aims to enhance students’ practical skills and foster entrepreneurship by providing a real-world training platform.
“The company will produce graduation regalia and branded corporate wear, resulting in annual savings of over US$200 000.
“This financial efficiency and entrepreneurship will enable us to better support academic programmes and student services.
Moreover, the enterprise will generate employment opportunities for our students and members of the Zimbabwe citizenry, reaffirming our commitment to holistic development and community engagement.”
Prof Gundani added: “Secondly, I am pleased to inform you about the registration of the ZOU Bio methane Company, dedicated to advancing research, innovation and industrialization in renewable energy.
“This enterprise focuses on producing biomethane gas from organic waste, offering sustainable solutions for both domestic and industrial energy needs, while also promoting effective waste management.
“The company serves as a vital platform for cutting-edge research and is currently testing biomethane gas samples to ensure certainty, quality and viability.
“It fosters collaboration among students, faculty and industry experts, and of course, encouraging.”
He also highlighted various student innovations, including the development of agricultural and transport applications.
Professor Gundani further noted that the university’s gender equality and girl-child empowerment policies were producing tangible results with over 60 percent of graduates this year being female.
The Vice-Chancellor also commended achievements of various students especially in the Information Communication Technology sector.
He said students from the institution were creating smart agriculture and transport apps as well as virtual reality projects.
Six students were awarded with the Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa Chancellor’s Award.
Among the Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa Chancellor’s Award recipients was Peter Mubvuyiwa, who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Honours in Media Studies and was named the Overall Best Male Student, receiving US$1 000.
The Overall Best Female Student was Elizabeth Muwi, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science Honours in Nursing Science and also received US$1 000.
