By Lubalethu Ndlovu
The National University of Science and Technology (NUST) has launched a research network aimed at developing technological solutions in the areas of energy, environment and human health using wireless communications.
The research network, Core Global Capsule (CGC) is driven by the need to provide solutions to the country’s local problems both industrial and community based.
Speaking during the launch of the network at the university’s premises Thursday, Guest of Honour, Higher and Tertiary Education Minister Professor, Amon Murwira, said the research network subscribes to the ministry’s education 5.0 Vision.
“Education 5.0 Vision is about action and not teaching. We do not need to have lecturers teaching the whole day without practicals,” he said.
Prof. Murwira also highlighted that the country’s education system needed to be re-organised for NUST’s CGC programme to work.
Speaking at the same event, Vice president of the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI), Joseph Gunda, said the industry can offer guiding principles that will bring tertiary education and industries together.
He noted that because of industrailisation, the launch of CGC NUST is essential.
“When I heard about CGC I knew something positive between education and the industry was about to happen and I am glad because the two are now interlinked,” Gunda said.
He added that each and every company should make sure that research and development was part of their identity.
Gunda also underscored that industries needed to catch up with university engineering, which stood top at level 5.0 but industry still lagged behind as they were on level 4.0.
CGC NUST is led by seven individuals who have studied towards the focus areas that are encompassed in the research and among them is NUST’s own Vice Chancellor, Professor Mqhele Dlodlo, who is the director.
