Story by Bruce Chahwanda
THE need to transform the country’s agricultural sector in the advent of climate change and Artificial Intelligence (AI) took centre stage when more than 3 000 graduands were capped by the Chancellor of Chinhoyi University of Technology, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, at the institution’s 21st graduation ceremony in Chinhoyi this Thursday.
It is a day to celebrate for the 3 130 graduates after overcoming the long nights and extra study hours as they take home their degree certificates in various fields of study.
Among the graduates are scientists, entrepreneurs, and engineers who are ready to transform Zimbabwe’s industrial landscape and conquer the world.
With Zimbabwe being an agro-based economy, Tadiwanashe Mavheneke, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Crop Science and Technology, vowed to come up with seed varieties that will endure the climate change crisis.
“I majored in crop breeding, and this knowledge will assist my country in coming up with seed varieties that speak to the climatic conditions we are experiencing now. Seed varieties that did well last season might not do well this season, so it needs proper interrogation to come up with varieties that will adapt,” he noted.
The adoption of AI is dominating the corridors of power, and Carol Chimulambe contends that Computer Engineering is the way to go as it opens avenues in technological advancement.
“This is a broad course which will change the face of Zimbabwe in relation to AI, I am going to make a huge impact in the country, watch the space,” she said.
For Thandeka Chipfupi, turning wild fruits into detergents and other necessities will be her focus.
“We have acquired knowledge in terms of identifying tourist attraction sites in Zimbabwe, which are many, but value-adding wild fruits will be my domain going forward,” she said.
Addressing the graduands, Chinhoyi University of Technology Vice Chancellor, Professor David Simbi said the Heritage-based Education 5.0 model is preparing students for the future.
“Heritage-based education has prepared you for the future. To the private sector, these graduates are ready to take on any challenge for the good of the country. In broader contribution, Heritage-based Education has gained greater meaning in the nation and beyond, towards industrialisation, modernisation,” he said.
Of the total graduands, 1 557 are males while 1 573 are females.
