President Emmerson Mnangagwa capped 2 507 graduates and was installed the Chancellor of NUST in a graduation ceremony on Friday the 9th of November. The ceremony also saw the installation of Prof. Eng. Mqhele Dlodlo as the fourth Vice-Chancellor.
President Mnangagwa stated that the National University of Science and Technology has a clear mandate to spearhead the development of human capital for industrial and socio-economic transformation through science and technology based solutions. He added that the university was established to be the epicentre of science and technology cadreship in the country.
He encouraged the university to rise to the occasion of its statutory obligation by continuously churning out graduates with skills and knowledge which can positively transform the economic, scientific and technological landscape of Zimbabwe by 2030.
“I encourage NUST not to deviate from its mandate as it is the bedrock for new business models, innovation and technology. The university must appropriately respond to regional and global developments coupled with our present national focus of developing new learning modules,” said the President.
President Mnangagwa congratulated the graduands on their achievements and encouraged them to be employment and wealth creators as well as dispensers of knowledge.
“As Chancellor I call upon graduands to pursue endeavours which probably contribute to the socio-economic transformation agenda in our country. You have been academically empowered with knowledge and skills to adequately play your part in building the Second Republic, the President said.
According to the President the recent launch of the Zimbabwe National Space Agency and discovery of oil and gas deposits must motivate institutions of higher learning to expand our country’s skill base in the associated fields
He challenged institutions to make cutting edge breakthroughs arising from such opportunities and to always seek education with production and economic development in mind.
In his address Prof. Eng. Mqhele Dlodlo said the university was ready to accelerate partnerships with industry and public sector to bring back economic freedom for the nation.
“We’re committed to continue finding new solutions that are globally incomparable yet locally relevant and appropriate. The opportunities are mind boggling,” Prof. Eng Dlodlo said.
According to the Vice-Chancellor NUST is not just open for business but it’s already in business, producing market ready products of the highest quality fit for purpose. The university also produces well educated minds and solutions.
Among notable figures that attended the ceremony was the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development, Professor Amon Murwira, Minister of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs Judith Ncube, Ambassadors from Cuba, Nigeria and South Sudan