Legislators Praise Innovative Solutions at Zimbabwe's Universities and Polytechnics
In a remarkable show of support for the country’s educational institutions, Zimbabwe’s lawmakers have expressed admiration for the impressive advancements made by local universities and polytechnics through their Innovation Hubs. This call to action emphasizes the importance of increased government funding to bolster the nation’s innovation drive, which is crucial for economic growth and self-sufficiency.
The Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee, led by Chairperson Chalton Hwende, recently embarked on a nationwide tour of various higher education institutions. This initiative was aimed at evaluating how COVID-19 relief funds were utilized, particularly in the production of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and sanitizers. Such assessments are not just about accountability; they also highlight the incredible resilience and creativity exhibited by educational institutions in response to unprecedented challenges.
Following a visit to the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) in Bulawayo, Hwende commended the university for its effective use of public funds, noting, “We are quite impressed with the work being done in all the Innovation Hubs that we visited. The ingenuity displayed by these institutions during the pandemic has been remarkable.” This sentiment underscores a growing recognition that investing in education and innovation can lead to significant returns in national resilience.
During this tour, which included visits to universities such as the University of Zimbabwe and the Harare Institute of Technology, Hwende emphasized that the government’s swift response to the pandemic has had a positive impact. “When COVID hit us, we were not prepared, so the government released funds to various institutions for producing essential items,” he explained. The Auditor General’s review confirmed that these investments yielded impressive results, with some institutions multiplying their initial funding significantly.
At NUST’s Innovation Hub, for instance, an investment of approximately ZWL million resulted in the establishment of a fully operational apparel factory that not only employs numerous people but also offers valuable industrial attachment programs for students. This synergy between education and industry reflects a forward-thinking approach that could serve as a model for other nations.
Nevertheless, Hwende encouraged the government to continue supporting these Innovation Hubs. “This is essential not only for sustainability post-COVID but also for reducing our import bill as a country,” he remarked. The ongoing commitment to developing and maintaining these innovative projects is vital for fostering a self-sufficient economy.
As the Parliamentary committee prepares to present its final report in the coming week, it will spotlight areas ripe for further investment. The overarching goal is to ensure that resources are wisely managed while also providing a platform for future generations to innovate and thrive.
With the promising developments highlighted during the tour, Zimbabwe’s universities and polytechnics stand as testaments to the power of education in fostering resilience, creativity, and economic growth throughout the region.
Tags: #Zimbabwe #Innovation #Education #Tourism #Politics #WorldNews
