Celebrating Progress and Excellence at Great Zimbabwe University’s 19th Graduation Ceremony
In a remarkable showcase of academic achievement and inclusivity, Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) hosted its 19th graduation ceremony in Masvingo, where President Emmerson Mnangagwa had the honor of caping 3,477 graduates, among whom was also Vice President Kembo Mohadi. The ceremony highlighted the university’s commitment to education and development, reflecting a bright outlook for Zimbabwe’s future.
Out of the total graduates, 498 were undergraduate students, while 979 were pursuing postgraduate degrees, with the remaining graduates earning various diplomas and certificates. Notably, women constituted a significant 61% of this year’s cohort, demonstrating a continued commitment to gender inclusivity in higher education.
Moreover, GZU welcomed 187 international students from countries including Equatorial Guinea, Mozambique, Namibia, Sierra Leone, and Zambia, along with 11 students living with disabilities. This commitment to inclusivity not only enriches the academic environment but also fosters a culture of diversity.
A Focus on Academic Excellence and Innovation
Among the many accolades awarded, a total of 56 students achieved distinctions and were awarded the Vice Chancellor’s Prize, while six exceptional students received the prestigious Chancellor’s Award. GZU also conferred Doctor of Philosophy degrees to seven individuals, marking a significant milestone in their academic journeys.
In his address, GZU Vice Chancellor, Professor Rungano Jonas Zvobgo, emphasized the university’s dedication to the Education 5.0 model, which prioritizes teaching, research, community engagement, innovation, and industrialization. He highlighted the institution’s efforts in transforming local ideas into actionable solutions, particularly in key sectors such as agriculture and energy.
As part of its rural industrialization initiative, GZU is nearing completion on a grain processing plant at its Innovation Centre for Drylands Agriculture, an endeavor set to revolutionize traditional grain production methods.
Prominent Contributions to National Development
The ceremony also celebrated Vice President Mohadi, who received an Honorary Doctorate in Social Sciences in Leadership for his pivotal role in Zimbabwe’s liberation and ongoing national development efforts. This acknowledgment underscores the significant contributions of leadership to the nation’s progress.
In the spirit of innovation, GZU is collaborating with the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) to create a transformer and substation protection system aimed at enhancing the security of the nation’s power grid. This initiative reflects the university’s proactive stance in improving national infrastructure and stability.
In addition to these efforts, GZU is developing new academic programmes aligned with the Education 5.0 framework, with a focus on STEM disciplines, including climate studies and data analytics. This commitment ensures that graduates are well-equipped to tackle contemporary challenges across various economic sectors.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future
As GZU continues to embrace change and drive innovation, the establishment of a teaching center within the Masvingo Provincial Hospital is in the works, enhancing the training opportunities for medical students by 2026.
Professor Zvobgo concluded his remarks by commending President Mnangagwa’s leadership and recent achievements on both regional and global stages. Notable mentions included effective leadership during the ZANU PF 22nd National People’s Conference, and Zimbabwe’s growing influence as a candidate for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
This graduation ceremony not only celebrated academic achievements; it served as a testament to the bright, innovative, and inclusive future that GZU is championing for Zimbabwe.
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Tags: #Zimbabwe #Education #Innovation #Inclusivity #WorldNews
