Sharon Chikowore
CHINHOYI University of Technology (CUT) graduated 3,495 students on Wednesday as the institution celebrated 25 years of existence and service to Zimbabwe.
The graduation ceremony was presided over by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is also the Chancellor of CUT.
The graduating class comprised 2,585 undergraduate students, 779 taught Master’s graduates, 17 Master of Philosophy graduates, 37 Doctor of Philosophy graduates, and 15 Doctor of Science in Strategic Management graduates, alongside students from postgraduate and graduate diploma programmes.
Among those graduating with doctorates were Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service Commissioner-General Dr. Moses Cyril Ngawaite Chihobvu; Chinhoyi University Public Relations Officer, Dr. Zachariah Simba Pumhayi; and Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PRAZ) Chief Executive Officer Clever Ruswa, whose research focused on prison transformation and emergency public procurement, respectively.
Acting Vice Chancellor Professor William Goriwondo, speaking at the 2026 graduation ceremony, said the graduates’ achievements reflected the university’s commitment to expanding access to quality higher education.
The cohort comprised 1,745 male and 1,750 female graduates.
Professor Goriwondo said 95 graduates attained distinctions, while 231 obtained first-class honours.
“This occasion is even more special as Chinhoyi University of Technology commemorates its Silver Jubilee, marking 25 years of existence and service to Zimbabwe and beyond,” he said.
The university also honored its top-performing students through the Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa Awards.
Professor Goriwondo said CUT had embraced Heritage-Based Education 5.0 and was strengthening its focus on innovation, research, and industrialization.
The university currently has an enrolment of 10,464 students, with postgraduate programmes continuing to expand.
Among its major developments is the establishment of a Medical School under the School of Health Sciences and Technology. Preparations are at an advanced stage, with laboratory renovations nearing completion, programme regulations submitted for accreditation, and procurement of teaching equipment underway.
CUT is also preparing to introduce a Biomedical Engineering degree, while its Kadoma Campus is working towards establishing a Centre of Excellence in Mining Engineering and Mineral Beneficiation.
Innovation remains a key focus, with the university developing 16 projects, including Banana Cookies, Pozzolanic Cement, and Indigenous Fruit-Flavoured Yoghurt.
The university’s Hurudza AI innovation received international recognition through the Tech for Change Award at VivaTech 2026 in France, while seven CUT innovations were recognized at the 2025 Presidential Innovation Fair Awards.
CUT has also become the first university in Zimbabwe to attain ISO 21001:2018 certification, a development Professor Goriwondo said demonstrates the institution’s commitment to educational excellence and continuous improvement.
The Acting Vice Chancellor also highlighted improvements to the university’s infrastructure, including the refurbishment of existing student hostels and the construction of a chapel and new teaching facilities.
He congratulated the incoming Vice Chancellor, Professor Irvin D. T. Mpofu, and paid tribute to Emeritus Vice Chancellor Professor David J. Simbi for laying a strong foundation for the university’s continued development.
Professor Goriwondo urged the graduates to use their education to address national challenges and contribute to community development.
“Let your knowledge uplift communities. Let your skills create industries. Let your innovations solve national challenges. Above all, let your character distinguish you,” he said.
He said Zimbabwe needed graduates capable of competing globally while remaining committed to serving their country.
