Staff Reporter

The Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, has applauded the teaching and learning process that has managed to contribute towards an excellent pass rate, despite the Covid19 lockdown disruptions.

Speaking through a press release, The Permanent Secretary for Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Prof F. Tagwira announced the Higher Education Examination Council (HEXCO) results for November 2021.

“I wish to thank the lecturers, the students, the examination staff and all stakeholders involved in the national examination system and in the teaching and learning process. Their contribution towards the success of the examination has resulted in the achievement of a 60% pass rate,” said Prof Tagwira.

Meanwhile, due to the erratic lockdowns as a result of Covid19 pandemic, the Ministry has had to conduct the 2021 ZIMSEC examinations spilling into the first quarter of 2022.

In his state of the Nation address President Emmerson Mnangagwa, in view of the Omicron that is fast spreading, extended the lockdown by a further two weeks, however, with the exception of the examination classes.

“With the exception of Examination Classes which resume classes as announced by the responsible Ministry, the general calendar is hereby delayed until further notice.  Examination Classes exempt from this delay are however expected to strictly comply with preventive public health measures,” said President Mnangagwa

Meanwhile the year 2021 ended with a dire record of 2000 new infection cases, and 30 deaths recorded daily.