Arron Nyamayaro
Herald Reporter
HIGHER and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Minister Ambassador Frederick Shava yesterday charged students who left the country to study in Russia to return not just as graduates, but as the engineers, innovators and thought leaders who will be crucial to anchoring Zimbabwe’s transition into an innovation-led and knowledge-based economy.
Minister Shava officiated at the send-off ceremony for 16 students leaving to pursue Master’s degrees in Agricultural Engineering in the Russian Federation.
The cohort is set to begin their academic journey at the Don State Technical University (DSTU).
Addressing the scholars, Minister Shava framed the scholarship as a direct investment in the nation’s future.
“Dear students, congratulations on earning this life-changing opportunity,” he said. “Your selection reflects not only your academic excellence, but also your potential to contribute meaningfully to Zimbabwe’s development.”
He added that the event affirms President Mnangagwa’s commitment to building a knowledge-driven and industrialised Zimbabwe, guided by the Education 5.0 model and the national Vision 2030, to become an upper-middle-class economy.
The Minister added that the scholarship programme is a fruit of Zimbabwe’s deepening collaboration with the Russian Federation, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding between DSTU and the Centre for Education Innovation Research and Development (CEIRD) in April 2024.
“This partnership is deepening scientific and technological cooperation between our two nations,” Min Shava stated, pointing to the success of a previous cohort.
“Seventeen students who studied at NUST MISIS under the same programme have returned and are now employed as lecturers and researchers in our institutions—proof of our resolve to retain and apply knowledge locally.”
Minister Shava underscored the importance of the students’ chosen field.
“The importance of your studies in Agricultural Engineering cannot be overstated,” he said. “Your expertise will be vital in enhancing mechanisation and smart agriculture, boosting productivity and food security, driving industrialisation in the sector and supporting climate-smart innovations.”
The post ‘Go learn, return to drive knowledge-based economy’ appeared first on herald.
The post ‘Go learn, return to drive knowledge-based economy’ appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.