On Friday, the University of Zimbabwe celebrated its first cohort of graduates under the innovative Education 5.0 model, with President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the University’s Chancellor, officiating the ceremony.
A total of 6,778 graduates were honored, including 16 Doctor of Philosophy degrees, 11 Masters in Philosophy, and 5,319 undergraduate degrees, alongside 1,432 graduates from various postgraduate programs.
Vice Chancellor Professor Paul Mapfumo emphasized the importance of this graduation, marking the completion of the first full cycle of the Education 5.0 model introduced in December 2020. This model integrates academic learning with practical skills to tackle real-world challenges.
“This year’s graduation is particularly significant as we celebrate the inaugural cohort from the Heritage-based Education 5.0 philosophy,” Professor Mapfumo stated. He noted that these graduates are equipped with advanced skills to provide knowledge and technology-based solutions aligned with national needs.
The Vice Chancellor also outlined ongoing initiatives aimed at enhancing student practical experience and research productivity. This includes the commissioning of three USAID agro-processing plants in September 2023, now producing over 67 market-ready products.
Additionally, the University is partnering with farmers to develop value chains for essential crops such as sweet potatoes, soybeans, and maize, aiming to strengthen agro-industrial processing and improve market access for farmers.
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