Mnangagwa caps 3,201 at NUST

President Emmerson Mnangagwa presided over the graduation of 3,201 students at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) yesterday. The ceremony, held at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre, marked a significant milestone as it celebrated the first cohort of graduates under the transformative Heritage-Based Education 5.0 programme.

This innovative educational approach blends Zimbabwe's cultural heritage with modern practices, aiming to produce a well-rounded human capital that will drive the country's socio-economic transformation and contribute to achieving Vision 2030.
Outstanding Achievements Recognized

President Mnangagwa awarded the Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa Chancellor's Award to Passmore Jeke, the best graduating male student, with a cash prize of US$1,000.

Prominent graduates included Zimpapers staff members such as Stanford Chiwanga, who earned a Master's Degree in Strategic Communication, and Brandon Moyo, awarded a Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Journalism and Media Studies. Several others received accolades for exceptional academic performance, including awards for project planning and journalism.

Archibald Chiponda, Zanu-PF Bulawayo spokesperson, received a Master of Business Administration Degree and was recognized for outstanding research in informal trade.
Growth in STEM and Gender Representation

This year, NUST recorded a seven percent increase in graduates compared to 2023. Female graduates accounted for 48 percent of the total, reflecting a growing presence in traditionally male-dominated fields. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) graduates also rose to 59 percent, underscoring NUST's emphasis on producing technically skilled professionals.
Vice-Chancellor Highlights Achievements

NUST Vice-Chancellor Professor Mqhele Dlodlo commended the graduates for embracing the Heritage-Based Education 5.0 framework, describing it as pivotal to the modernisation and industrialisation of Zimbabwe.

"NUST has undertaken research and produced innovations driving socio-economic development," said Prof. Dlodlo. He highlighted the university's victory at the 2024 Enactus World Cup in Kazakhstan, where students developed an innovative method to convert plastic waste into fuel.

NUST's Applied Genetic Testing Centre (AGTC) received accolades for advancing DNA testing and innovation, earning a Presidential Innovation Award and contributing to areas like criminal forensics, animal DNA testing, and GMO identification.
Supporting Industrialisation and Development

NUST has aligned its efforts with the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS 1) by commercializing student innovations, producing goods like plastic containers and processed foods, and training SMEs. Infrastructure projects, including factory shells under construction in Masvingo, aim to house these initiatives and bolster Zimbabwe's industrialisation.

Prof. Dlodlo praised the Government's support for infrastructural development, describing it as key to achieving the university's goals and fostering a robust national economy.
A Vision for the Future

The graduation, themed "Celebrating Innovative, Future Ready 1st Graduates of Heritage-Based Education 5.0," underscored the university's commitment to transforming education to meet the country's industrial and technological needs.

President Mnangagwa's emphasis on innovation and human capital development resonates deeply with NUST's mission, positioning the institution as a cornerstone in Zimbabwe's journey toward economic prosperity.