Higher education model yields results
THE recently introduced education design, Education 5.0, has started paying dividends as evidenced by the positive transformation that has taken place within the country’s higher and tertiary education, Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Professor Dr Amon Murwira has said.
He made the remarks in his keynote speech at the University Councils Induction Workshop at a hotel in Kwekwe last Wednesday. The Government, in 2017 introduced the Education 5.0 model which emphasises on innovation and industrialisation to replace the “traditional design” education 3.0 whose main focus was on teaching and research. Prof Murwira said a lot of positive developments can be drawn from almost all tertiary institutions from across the country which are a result of the new education thrust.
“Our innovation hubs have started producing, and as evidenced by the applications for patents that we are receiving, it shows that the Education 5.0 is now yielding results. University of Zimbabwe has applied for 29 patents and so far, nine have been processed. We also have more patent applications from Harare Institute of Technology (29), Midlands State University (four) that are awaiting approval,” he said.
Prof Murwira said the new design was premeditated as an answer to the country’s own peculiar challenges and seeks to create an environment that enables development to take place. This has since started happening as students are now playing their part in supporting existing industry.
“We now have students who can bring solutions to our own problems as we race towards vision 2030. Our Nust DNA lab is doing wonders, doing good business.
“We have a cattle artificial insemination project at Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT) which is now worth $140 million annually in exports,” he said.
Harare Institute of Technology (HIT) has also designed number of projects including the tap and go for Zupco buses, fuel monitoring system, Zesa transformer among other projects.
Prof Murwira also said the Government did not hesitate to invest $30 million upon request, for a research into traditional grains, traditional fruits being conducted by the University of Zimbabwe as it is yet another potential production line.
Prof Murwira said infrastructure has been improving as well at various institutions since the institutions started own construction.
The minister also said Government was not hesitant to avail money for projects that benefit and bring transformation to the country.
“We are going to add $30 million each year from the student loans to cater for those students who cannot afford to fund their own education. We want the money to be at $60 million because we need the students in the system, we need their creativity,” said Prof Murwira.
Government, said Prof Murwira, was also going to fund lecturers who want to pursue doctorate degrees.