Nust acquires equipment to revamp Ekusileni Hospital

The National University of Science and Technology (Nust) has taken a significant step in transforming the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Ekusileni Medical Centre, acquiring state-of-the-art medical equipment from China. The initiative aligns with President Emmerson Mnangagwa's engagement and re-engagement policy, strengthening bilateral relations between Zimbabwe and Beijing.

Ekusileni was officially handed over to Nust by the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) in February 2025 under a long-term lease, with plans to establish the facility as a specialist teaching and research hospital, providing world-class medical training and services.

Speaking at Nust's 31st graduation ceremony in Bulawayo, Vice Chancellor Professor Mqhele Dlodlo said the collaboration has unlocked opportunities for shared innovation, efficient resource mobilisation, and solutions to complex challenges.

"We are making significant progress in operationalising the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Ekusileni Hospital as a specialist teaching and research facility, in line with your Cabinet directive," Prof Dlodlo said.

The 200-bed hospital is set to become a Quinary-Level centre of excellence, offering advanced medical services, fostering research, and promoting medical tourism.

Prof Dlodlo also highlighted Nust's participation in a USD $15 million research initiative, "Locally-led Indigenous Nature-based Solutions for Climate Change," in partnership with Canadian Mennonite University, Bindura University of Science Education, and the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife. The three-year project aims to strengthen climate resilience and enhance biodiversity in Gwanda, Mwenezi, and Binga, in line with Zimbabwe's climate adaptation priorities.

The graduation ceremony, themed "Think Beyond Limits: Ignite Innovation, Power Industrialisation," emphasised Zimbabwe's national development aspirations, including Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1). Prof Dlodlo encouraged graduands to embrace innovation and challenge conventional limits, contributing to industrialisation and socio-economic transformation.

The university has also made strides in nurturing innovation through the Professor Phinias Mogorosi Makhurane Technovation Centre, which incubates start-ups across agriculture, energy, transportation, manufacturing, and rural industrialisation. Notable projects include a Tomato Powder start-up addressing post-harvest losses, and a Bio-fertiliser venture promoting sustainable agriculture.

Nust is also progressing with infrastructural development, including the completion of the Library and IT Resource Centre, critical for ICT-driven economic modernisation.

"As we celebrate our graduands today, we reaffirm Nust's pledge to be a beacon of innovation, a driver of industrialisation, and a partner in building the Zimbabwe we all envision," said Prof Dlodlo.

The ceremony was attended by government ministers, business leaders, parents, and relatives of graduands, marking a milestone in Zimbabwe's higher education and research sector.