Story by Tafara Chikumira
THE practical implementation of the Education 5.0 model was on full display this Friday as the Midlands State University hosted a Research, Innovation, and Industrialisation Expo at its main campus in Gweru.
Innovators from tertiary institutions across the country showcased cutting-edge solutions aimed at addressing gaps within Zimbabwe’s industrial sector.
From water treatment to fuel production, innovators are leaving nothing to chance as they seek solutions to the country’s problems.
“Our innovation is aimed at purifying water. We produce chlorine and sodium hypochlorite using aqueous sodium chloride. We do on-site production for disinfection and the chlorine for water or water disinfection and the sodium hypochlorite for the production of chemicals, for example, bleach, Jik, and Domestos,” an innovator, Engineer Andrew Chindedza said.
“Our innovation is earmarked for mining engineering. These Roller resistance checkers are for checking rollers. We use them to help the conveyor belts stop due to resistance. They respond to pull test rollers during manufacturing,” another innovator, Mrs Rejoice Moyo said.
MSU acting Vice Chancellor Professor Grace Mugumbate says the innovation expo is meant to shape the country’s industrial landscape.
“This is not just a celebration of what we have achieved but a statement on bringing ideas on where we are heading. It is a journey where policies are being shaped. Policies that will shape the future of industrialisation in the country. We are here to foster university and industry linkages,” she said.
The government is impressed by the level of innovation that was on display at the expo.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the economy of any nation is as good as its education system. Accordingly, the resounding achievements recorded in our higher and Tertiary institutions, industrial parks, and innovation hubs clearly reflect the broad and inclusive milestone accomplishments by the Second Republic that leave no one and no place behind,” Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Owen Ncube said.
The education 5.0 model is proving to be a game changer as it is producing graduates who are entrepreneurs as opposed to job seekers.
