Story by Mhlomuli Ncube
LUPANE State University Chancellor President Emmerson Mnangagwa has capped over 1 700 students who graduated in various disciplines at the institution.
Marking two decades of existence and delivering education in the heart of Matabeleland North Province, this year’s graduates were the first batch who began studying when the government rolled out its Education 5.0 model.
The institution has since then seen innovations on its campus and communities around where it has worked to provide solutions in agriculture, animal science, food processing, biotechnology and other critical areas of socio-economic progress as stated by the Lupane University Vice-Chancellor Professor Pardon Kuipa.
“2024 is special for us because the university is 20 years old, a big milestone for a rural university such as ours. For this reason, today’s graduation ceremony is running under the theme, “Celebrating two decades of empowering communities, shaping minds and creative positive futures for all.” The theme resonates with the prominent role that the university has played and continues to play in finding solutions for societal problems within the region while also fulfilling the critical role of manpower development and skills training for the nation,” Professor Kuipa said.
The graduates are elated as they take the next step in playing their part towards national development.
“This is important to me, I am pleased and believe this is not where it ends. I will use my knowledge to work hard to contribute to my community and country’s development,” said a graduate.
Another said, “I worked hard, it was not easy but I am pleased with the achievement. I am looking forward to going out and contributing to the development of my country.”
The institution has five faculties which include Agricultural Sciences, Engineering, Applied Science and Commerce among others.
