by Rudo Saungweme
President Emmerson Mnangagwa today joined thousands of other University of Zimbabwe graduands as he was conferred with a Doctor of Laws honorary degree.
Other notable graduands were the Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Mudenda and Chief Law Officer Chris Mutangadura who both graduated with Masters in Law.
Three thousand six hundred and thirty two graduated at the University in various faculties.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, President Mnangagwa said, “I am pleased to join the graduation ceremony at University of Zimbabwe as I am fully aware of the importance of higher education. I would like University of Zimbabwe to also play a pivotal role in the development trajectory of the nation. I therefore invite you all to walk this journey with us and be heroes of our time in various fields of endeavours.
“I challenge you to go out and be brave, bold and full of hope no matter the obstacles we encounter. Desist from self-seeking tendencies. My administration will entrench rule of law and abide to democratic tendencies, principles and laws. We will repeal archaic laws and make democratic law. In this era justice will prevail. Corrupt and law breakers will be prosecuted. I urge you all to be good ambassadors of University of Zimbabwe wherever life may take you,” he said.
Acting UZ Vice Chancellor, Professor Paul Mapfumo congratulated President Mnangagwa for winning the 30 July 2018 harmonised elections convincingly. He also expressed gratitude towards the position that he was given by President Mnangagwa. In his address Mapfumo said, “At this point allow me to sincerely express my gratitude for the thrust and confidence of nominating me to be the Vice Chancellor of University of Zimbabwe. Your Excellency, I am committed and ready to deliver.”
Mapfumo said, “University of Zimbabwe has increased enrolment from twelve thousand five hundred and twelve to nineteen thousand. I will ensure that the expansion in student number will not compromise quality of education. We will also continue to develop infrastructure so as to make the learning environment favourable. As I speak right now the University is constructing a 6 storey building to house laboratory and also storerooms. We are also going to expand student hostels and make sure that campus accommodation houses sixty percent of the students.”
UZ student board also congratulated President Mnangagwa on the attainment of his Honorary Doctorate Degree indicating that they have confidence in his leadership.
