By Liberty Mutamba
A total of 715 students are graduated at Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Polytechnic in Gwanda, Matabeleland South Province, as the institution celebrates another milestone in its commitment to producing skilled human capital.
Of the graduates, 324 were from the Technical Education Division, while 391 were from the Teacher Education Division.
The ceremony marked the institution’s 44th Teacher Education graduation and its 20th Technical Education graduation, with students receiving qualifications at National Certificate, National Diploma and Higher National Diploma levels.
The graduation was being held under the theme, “Shaping Skilled Human Capital for a Science, Technology and Innovation-Driven Economy by 2030”, reflecting the institution’s role in equipping students with relevant skills to drive national development.
Deputy Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Simelisizwe Sibanda, was officiating at the ceremony on behalf of the Minister, Ambassador Dr Frederick Shava.
Also in attendance was Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Permanent Secretary, Mrs Lathiso Dlamini-Maseko, who was representing the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe.
The ceremony has drawn chiefs, heads of Government departments, parents, students and other stakeholders.
Since its establishment in 1981, the institution’s Teacher Education Division has produced more than 17 000 graduates, while the Technical Education Division, which was established in 2004, has graduated over 4 300 students.
The latest graduation underscores the polytechnic’s contribution to Zimbabwe’s education sector through the training of teachers and technical professionals needed to support the country’s development aspirations.
The institution has produced over 17 000 under the teaching division which opened its doors in 1981 and over 4 000 under the technical division which opened its doors in 2004.
