UZ | University of Zimbabwe

STRATEGYHDR

Prof Dr A Murwira The Government of Zimbabwe has set a Vision for the nation to become an upper middle-income economy by 2030. While every sector of the economy has its unique role to play in delivering this Vision, the Higher education sector is undeniably the most powerful catalyst for transformation of the economy. The sector therefore must be configured in such a way that it is able to deliver on this national aspiration and vision.

Through this Strategic Plan (2019 - 2025), the University of Zimbabwe has not only heeded to the call by Government to deliver goods and services to the nation, but is charting its own new path to assert itself as a Centre of Excellence in research, innovation and industrialization among national, regional and international institutions of higher learning. The Government of Zimbabwe has introduced an Education 5.0 framework for Higher and Tertiary education institutions in Zimbabwe to deliver goods and services to society. Driven by a heritage-based philosophy, the Education 5.0 adds two new missions of Innovation and Industrialization to the traditional three missions (Education 3.0) of teaching, research and community service. It is my strong view that through this new Strategic Plan, the University of Zimbabwe has not only made a bold statement among other Universities as a leader in the delivery of Education 5.0, but also introduced a new model for outcome-based strategic planning. The Strategic Plan is both current and futuristic in its response to the critical challenges facing our nation, while on the other hand it gives sufficient scope for transformation of the institution itself into a 21st century university.

The Strategic Plan's guiding philosophy of Kuziva neKugona/Ukwazi lokwenelisa, which brings out the need to be conscious and understanding of our heritage, challenges and more importantly opportunities, and to be strategic and competent in the delivery of innovative, modern and transformative solutions, should be a source of inspiration to our students in the higher education industry. The University's vision of being "Recognized as Zimbabwe’s Global Centre of Excellence in Research, Innovation and Higher Education Training by 2035", and seeking to contribute to at least 30% of the advanced knowledge products, processes, goods and services in national industry and commerce is consistent with the Government of Zimbabwe’s Education 5.0 philosophy.

I am therefore happy that this University of Zimbabwe Strategic Plan, 2019-2025 provides a purposive and very clear roadmap, as well as setting the stage for the country's premier institution of higher learning - The University of Zimbabwe, to take its rightful place in, and be of relevance to the delivery of priority goods and services that are at the core of the nation's industrialization and modernization agenda. I am equally thrilled to note that the document has a clear and well-articulated framework that has all the essential ingredients for successful implementation. I pledge, on behalf of my Ministry, and Government, to provide all the support necessary to ensure that the Strategic Plan meets the set goals. At the same time, I urge the University of Zimbabwe Council, Senate, University staff and students, as well as all partners and other stakeholders of the University, to be supportive of the Vice Chancellor as he leads the implementation of the Strategic Plan. With the guidance of this Plan, the University of Zimbabwe will undoubtedly, significantly contribute to the aspirations of Zimbabwe's Vision 2030. Government takes comfort in knowing that the institution is geared' towards transforming our society to prosperity.

Hon.,dr., Professor Amon Murwira
Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education,Science and Technology Development

University Profile

   •   Name: University of Zimbabwe
   •   Former Names:University College of Rhodesia & Nyasaland, University of Rhodesia
   •   Motto: Knowledge, Diligence, Integrity
   •   Type: Public, Comprehensive research institution
   •   Established: 1955
   •   Leader: Vice Chancellor
   •   Location: Mt Pleasant, Harare
   •   Campus Type: Urban
   •   Faculties: 11 Faculties
   •   Research & Benefactions: $41 Million

   •   Accredited Bachelor Degree Programmes: 175
   •   Accredited Taught Masters Degree Programmes: 122
   •   Dphil and MPhil Programmes: Offered acros all nine Faculties and the College of Health Sciences
   •   Total Undergraduate Students:17 718
   •   Total Postgraduate Students:2681
   •   Total Number of International Students:287
   •   Total Graduate Output since 1955: Over 75000
   •   Total Number of Professors: 140
   •   Total Number of Academic Staff with PhDs: 345

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Our Vision Mission and Values		Our Objectives
		Develop and promote a programmatic approach to research and innovation for generation of knowledge products, goods and services that respond to the needs of industry, commerce and society. Review, streamline and or introduce undergraduate and postgraduate degree and academic programmes inspired by growing demands for technological advancement, industrialization and modernization at national level and beyond. Develop strategic partnerships to leverage knowledge-sharing, resource mobilization and investments for advancement of innovative research, outreach, teaching and business development. Talent identification, nurturing and mentorship towards an industrialization and modernization agenda. Internationalization of University of Zimbabwe's academic programmes, research, advisory and consultancy services. Modernization of University infrastructure, learning and research and co-curricula facilities for improved service delivery systems and enhanced career opportunities and welfare for students and staff. Organization, management and administration of university business for effective delivery of the strategy.

Delivering Education 5.0

The delivery of Education 5.0 focuses on responding to the simple but critical overarching question of: How Do We Become? The question speaks to how both the institutional

vision, as set in this strategic plan, can be achieved in pursuit of a significant contribution to the national vision 2030. Recognizing that universities are defined and separated by their capabilities to provide relevant solutions to industry, commerce and society through advancement of cutting edge tools, methods, technologies, approaches and innovations, the University of Zimbabwe anchors implementation of its strategy on a simple philosophy of ‘Kuziva neKugona’:

Kuziva/Ukwazi: Refers to our deep Understanding and Consciousness about what defines us: our problems, our circumstances, our heritage and our opportunities. It is therefore beyond mere access to information and knowledge. Under this strategy we seek to understand:

i. What our people (i.e. industry, commerce & society) want

ii. What we want happen (i.e. what we want to cause)

iii. The architecture of university education necessary to deliver our people from poverty and take them to the next level of socio-economic development consistent with our national vision.

Kugona/Ukwenelisa: Refers to our being sufficiently Strategic and Competent to achieve the vision. The University of Zimbabwe has sufficient depth and breadth of skills and competences through its various faculties and departments to support the vision. However, successful implementation of the strategy will be moored on how the University is able to:

❖ organize and deploy its brain power;

❖ sufficiently and effectively draw on our heritage in our research and innovation processes for national development and academic foot-print;

❖ internationalize its brand;

❖ convert the needs of people into opportunities for advancement of knowledge, skills and technologies towards industrialization.

Implied strongly in Kugona is Action or Kuita. Kuita/Ukwenza refers to going beyond the theory and the talking, to delivering the actions necessary to achieve the vision (the implementation). The university should be at the centre of the action, innovatively putting research into use to generate goods and services and crafting practical industrial, business and societal solutions.