The Sunday News
Clinton Moyo, Sunday News Reporter
BULAWAYO businessman and educationist Mr Clemence Kunzekweguta has urged universities to come up with relevant degree programmes that address the needs of the country.
Heaping praise on the recently introduced curriculum by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Mr Kunzekweguta said universities should be next in line in upgrading their degrees to align them with obtaining industrial and social needs.
Speaking at the Lupane District Annual Better Schools Programme Zimbabwe Merits Awards (BSPZ) on Thursday at Lupane State University (LSU), Mr Kunzekweguta said it was necessary for the tertiary education system to be upgraded.
“We need an education system that addresses the needs and wants of the people of today, we cannot continue to offer an education that is just academic. In other words, our education should address the needs and wants of commerce and industry. If we find out what commerce and industry requires then we know what skills to impart to our children,” he said.
Mr Kunzekweguta said aligning degrees with the country’s needs would accelerate the development of Zimbabwe.
“If you look at this institution (LSU), you realise three quarters of the students are in a faculty that offers a qualification that is just academic and does not give relevant skills for survival. We have wood here in Lupane but LSU does not offer any degree in woodwork technology. I also read in the newspapers that there is methane gas in Lupane but are we teaching anyone to tap into it?” he asked.
His call comes after the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Dr Lazarus Dokora announced that the Government is establishing a Centre for Education Research, Innovation and Development which is expected to inculcate a culture of research among personnel.
Dr Dokora said the research centre would respond to implementation challenges that may face schools during the introduction of the new curriculum.
Meanwhile, six pupils from Mabhikwa High School and Regina Mundi Secondary walked away with $80 and certificates for passing with 7As and above at Ordinary Level in last year’s examinations.
