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THE National University of Science and Technology (NUST), the country’s first and leading technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)-oriented university, is leading a research in the development of capacity to produce Covid-19 and other pathogens testing reagents, a major breakthrough in the fight against the pandemic and handling of other diseases like HIV/Aids.

NUST, a leader in human capital development for industrial and socio-economic transformation, with a bias towards STEM, is delivering cutting edge research and innovations that are driving industrialisation locally and beyond.

The University is home to the country’s first centre for DNA Testing services, which is housed at the Applied Genetic Testing Centre (AGTC).

Before the establishment of AGTC, the country was losing foreign currency in accessing DNA Testing services in South Africa and Europe.

The AGTC has distinguished itself as the most trusted and affordable DNA Testing centre in the country.

Recently, AGTC received the Medal of Meritorious Service Commendation Award from His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Cde Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa.

AGTC has performed over 3 000 human and DNA identification tests, servicing clients across the country and collaborating with foreign laboratories in the United Kingdom and Australia in human identification for immigration purposes.

The country’s premier DNA Testing Centre offers forensic services to different Government departments including the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and the Civil Protection Unit (CPU).

AGTC has assisted in the identification of complex forensic and national disaster victims, notably, victims who were burnt beyond recognition in road traffic accidents in the Mvuma Bus Disaster (23 victims), Mvurwi Bus Accident (11 victims), Guruve Commuter Omnibus (6 victims), West Nicholson Bus Disaster (32 victims), Beitbridge (4 Victims) and an explosion in Lionsden (5 victims).

AGTC has solved over 1 000 forensic cases for the Zimbabwe Republic Police including murder, sexual assault, unlawful entry and stock-theft.

The Centre is currently working on the identification of over 150 Cyclone Idai Victims who were buried unidentified in Mozambique. The complex exercise is set to be completed in October 2021.

When Covid-19 hit the country in early 2020, AGTC used its equipment and deployed staff to set up a PCR Testing Centre at the National TB Reference Laboratory at Mpilo Hospital from April to December 2020, servicing five provinces of Bulawayo, Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South, Masvingo and Midlands. By the time the Government took over the testing programme, AGTC had tested over 40 000 samples.

Currently, AGTC is leading a research in the development of capacity to produce Covid-19 (and other pathogens) testing reagents, a major breakthrough in the fight against the pandemic and handling of other diseases like HIV/Aids.

Also, through the Core TeleInfrastructure Global Capsule, the first of its kind in Africa, NUST accelerates global multidisciplinary research collaboration in the continent.

Renowned for pioneering industry-based learning, which is key in the implementation of the Heritage-Based Education 5.0, the University offers undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes in seven Faculties and three centres.

Through the Faculties of Applied Science, Engineering, Medicine, The Built Environment, Science and Technology Education, Communication and Information Science, Commerce, Graduate School of Business, Institute of Development Studies and the Centre for Continuing Education, NUST churns out graduates who are able to stand in academia, multidisciplinary research, innovation and the world of industry at large with confidence.

The main goal of NUST is to train students to make an impact in society with the creative and innovative skills imparted during their education experience that is consistently rated among the best locally and beyond.

Employers value NUST graduates for their combination of theoretical and practical experience, as well as their good communication and technological skills.

NUST is committed to producing innovative and entrepreneurial graduates whose qualifications are locally and internationally recognised, underpinned by values of engaged citizenship.

For example, fifth and final year Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering student, Tafadzwa Banga (23), has lifted the country’s flag high after being selected one of the top 10 young innovators by Space in Africa.

Banga, the only Zimbabwean, is part of the African Space Industry Top 10 under 30 – Class of 2021 together with other researchers and innovators from other African countries namely Algeria, Nigeria, Egypt (two), Mauritius, Ethiopia (two), Angola and Sierra Leone.

The youthful NUST innovator is also the Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC) National Point of Contact (NPoC) for Zimbabwe, having joined SGAC in 2019.

Banga and his team launched a student-designed electronic payload in near space using a high-altitude balloon, the first-ever space-related project for Zimbabwe.

The launch made a significant impact on the awareness of space education and breast cancer.

Though young, NUST is one university with giant footprints.

The University’s researchers, academics and students collaborate with industry, government, non-governmental organisations, and other leading institutions to solve real societal problems and transform lives.

Research and innovations from NUST contribute significantly to public policy formation and set agenda on national discourses.

The institution was recently awarded the Jairos Jiri Humanitarian Award for its outstanding work in the practicalisation of Heritage-based Education 5.0 in the fight against Covid-19 pandemic.

NUST led from the front in support of His Excellency, President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s fight against the pandemic.

When Covid-19 hit the country, NUST was among the local universities that came up with different response strategies.

Through the Innovation Hub, NUST started manufacturing sanitisers, disinfectants and face-masks.

Working with a group of researchers from the Departments of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, the Innovation Hub set up a sanitiser production team.

Since 2020, the plant has produced over 400 000 litres of sanitiser trading under the trade name NUSTISER, which was certified by the Standards Association of Zimbabwe (SAZ) under their standard ARS ZWS HS 1470:2020.

In addition to sanitiser production, the sanitiser production plant was retrofitted to produce disinfectants in the form of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide as well as Hypochlorite based disinfectants.

To date over 200 000 litres of disinfectant have been produced at the plant.

Also, working with researchers from the Department of Fibre and Polymer Science, the Innovation Hub embarked on the production of PPEs.

As part of our community outreach programme and efforts to mainstream a STEM culture, NUST offers disadvantaged high school students an opportunity to engage with learned academics towards better understanding of the challenging science subjects through the Schools Enrichment Programme (NUSTSEP).

This ensures that Zimbabweans enjoy inclusive and equitable education through promotion of life-long learning opportunities for all, as mandated by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

THE collaborative effort of a top Zimbabwean architect Mr Emiel Murwira and students from the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) has aided Zimbabwe to come up with a ‘top notch’ pavilion design to house the country’s product and service exhibits at the Expo Dubai 2020.   

The Zimbabwe Pavilion is strategically located in the “Opportunities District” of the prime global expo in the United Arab Emirates where the country seeks to harvest huge investment and trade gains.

Zimbabwe will join 190 other participating countries for the global showcase to be held under the theme: “Connecting Minds, Creating Future", which opens on October 1, 2021 and runs until March 31, 2022.

Taking part in the expo is critical for the Second Republic’s international re-engagement and economic diplomacy drive, under which President Mnangagwa has declared ‘Zimbabwe is open for business’ with trade, investment and private sector led growth as key elements of the broader development matrix.

With preparations progressing well and now at advanced stages, Zimbabwe has already exhibited design creativity in the layout of its pavilion, which overlooks the grand Emirates Pavilion and the main Al Wasil Plaza, which is the core or centre of the expo events.

As the pavilion detail design architect, Mr Murwira of Design Pro Architect, believes the country has deployed tremendous professional technical expertise to the concept that was initiated by students from the National University of Science and Technology.

Using his experience and vast skill, he then transformed it into detailed working drawings and technical specifications that met the required international standards and procedures.

“The exterior facades are dressed with pictures of the people of Zimbabwe, the capital city pictures and unique places such as the Great Zimbabwe and the Mighty Victoria Falls, which makes it attractive and worth the cause for an eye,” said Mr Murwira in a brief shared with Business Chronicle.

“The interior is modern and high-tech with free-flowing curved walls that are dressed with a savanna background, all drawn from the concept of the Great Zimbabwe architecture, which gave birth to the country name - Zimbabwe.”

Mr Murwira is a well-travelled architect and has been involved in several architectural tours in Singapore, China as well as Dubai and boasts of vast experience on projects undertaken not only in Zimbabwe but South Africa, Angola, Zambia, Mozambique and Swaziland, to mention but a few.

His involvement in the design project, working closely with the Government under the well-coordinated effort led by Expo Dubai 2020 Commissioner General, Ambassador Mary Mubi, has added great value to Zimbabwe’s image impression.

According to Mr Murwira, the journey through the country’s pavilion is chronologically planned into four zones - with Zone 1 capturing an introduction to Zimbabwe at a glance, its history, values and general demographics.

“The Great Zimbabwe wall background is qualified by the fact that Zimbabwe is the only country in the world named after a World Heritage site,” he said.

“The Second Zone calumets all key sectors of the economy amongst others being agriculture, mining, tourism with a grand view of the Victoria Falls forming the main attraction in this zone.

“Digital screens and chevron pattern (drawn from Great Zimbabwe chevron) of well-lit picture frames are carried throughout the entire pavilion.”

The hardworking and resilient people of Zimbabwe are well represented in Zone 3, which comes with detachable picture frames of celebrities, prominent people and other selected images.

The Fourth and Final Zones focuses on the future of Zimbabwe with TV screens, digital Zimbabwe map, connectivity tablets and a retail section making the key attractions, said Mr Murwira.

“A collective and well-coordinated design and implementation process between Zimbabwe and UAE saw this pavilion reaching practical completion stage well in time for the official opening,” he said.

“Series of site inspection and coordination visits by Zimbabwe technical team and Government officials enabled a professionally coordinated implementation exercise toll and the official handover on the 12th of September 2021.

“With final touches and digital installations underway, the Zimbabwe Pavilion is viewed by others as one of the remarkably interesting pavilions at the Expo.”

Zimbabwe will ride on the global spotlight provided by the expo to showcase the diverse attractive investment and trade opportunities in the country.

To achieve higher momentum the country will be exhibiting in the opportunities cluster guided by the theme: “Zimbabwe the Land of Great Opportunities”.

Amb Mubi has said that the platform will greatly help cast spotlight on Zimbabwe and highlight the diverse range of huge opportunities across sectors such as industrial processes, arts and culture, human capital and innovations.

“We are creating exciting content, including fashion, cotton to clothing and agriculture,” said Amb Mubi recently, adding that her team was seized with creating content that will excite world traders.

“The National Day is March 24, 2022. On this day we will showcase investment opportunities in the country and there will be a high-level delegation.” – Chronicle.

The National University of Science and Technology (NUST) has appointed experienced medical doctor, Professor Elopy Sibanda as the institution’s executive dean in the Faculty of Medicine.

Prof Sibanda has 34 years’ experience in the medical field and is expected to play a critical role in reposition NUST Faculty of Medicine into a specialist medical school.

NUST has already started recruiting specialist doctors ahead of the institution’s new strategic role.

Cabinet last year resolved that in post Covid-19, NUST in partnership with the National Social Security Authority (NSSA), will transform Ekusileni Medical Centre into a specialist medical school.

The University envisage Ekusileni becoming the crux of medical tourism that may generate the much-needed foreign currency for the country and provide essential services for locals at affordable costs.

Medical tourism results when foreigners visit a country for medical services.

India and South Africa are among the countries that are benefiting from traffic from Zimbabwe as the countries have better facilities to treat most ailments and usually charge less.

The Director for Communication and Marketing, Mr Thabani Mpofu, said Prof Sibanda brings vast experience that the University needs as it focuses on its role.

“His vast experience in academic, research and administration comes in handy for NUST at a time when the University is recruiting specialists in the Faculty of Medicine as it gears for the transformation of the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Ekusileni Hospital into a top specialist facility with many disciplines in post Covid-19,” said Mr Mpofu.

“His major tasks include promoting specialised research and ensuring that the best care available anywhere is readily available for the nation and the SADC region here at the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Ekusileni Hospital.”

He said NUST medical experts were already providing services at the recently opened JMN Ekusileni Hospital for Covid-19 patients.

Mpofu said Prof Sibanda is a holder of a Medical Degree from the Medical University of Gdansk in Poland and a Master of Science and a Doctorate in Immunology from Birmingham University in the UK.

He is a clinical immunology and allergy specialist.

“Prof Sibanda served as a lecturer in immunology at the University of Zimbabwe from 1996 to 2009. Thereafter, he was the SADC Advisor on Health Laboratories, spearheading the establishment of supranational reference laboratories for HIV, TB and malaria in Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and South Africa,” said Mr Mpofu.

He said Prof Sibanda is a member of the Medical and Dental Practitioners Council of Zimbabwe and General Medical Council (GMC) of the United Kingdom.

Please be advised that registration has been extended to 9 September 2021 in order to allow some students to regularise their registration.

 Examinations

All examination candidates are required to present their student cards upon entry into the Examination Venues. Students that do not have student cards are advised to contact the ICTS department before the commencement of Examinations.

 Please note that candidates who are not registered will not be allowed to sit for Examinations.

L J Hadebe (Mr)

The University wishes to advise prospective students who applied and did not get places to send their full names, national identity numbers, list of three preferred programmes and certified copies of Ordinary Level and Advanced Level certificates to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.with the following subject line according to Faculties under which their preferred choices fall:

Faculty of Applied Sciences: ATTENTION: Lipie Katsumbe

Faculty of Engineering: ATTENTION: Deborah  Mlilo

Faculty of Built-in Environment: ATTENTION: Deborah  Mlilo

Faculty of Commerce: ATTENTION: Nomathamsanqa Ndlovu

Faculty of Communication and Information Science: ATTENTION: Nomathamsanqa Ndlovu

Faculty of Science and Technology Education: ATTENTION: Shingirai Mubaira

The deadline for submitting the above details is 24 September 2021.

Mr L.J. Hadebe

Deputy Registrar – Academic

ADMISSION BY NORMAL ENTRY AND SPECIAL ENTRY INTO UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE AND POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES FOR THE 2021 ACADEMIC YEAR.

• Applications are invited from candidates who meet the requirements for entry into First Year of the Undergraduate and Postgraduate Degree Programmes, for the 2021 Academic Year.

The following information applies to all applicants:

• Application forms can be downloaded from this link : Click to Download Application Forms  and submitted physically or OR apply online by following this link: Click Here
• Applicants should have passed at least 5 subjects at ‘O’ Level at Grade C or better. These should include Mathematics and English Language.
• A non-refundable application fee of US$15 or the ZWL interbank rate equivalent of the day must be paid during the online application process. The closing date for applications is 29 October 2021. International student’s application fee US$$30 payable via the online application process.

Bachelor of Design and Technology Education (Honours) Degree – (Block Release)

The programme targets non-graduate school teachers and related personnel in the field of education who meet the requirements for admission by special entry into the two-year programme. Applicants must have 5 ‘O’ Level subjects including English Language and Mathematics. Applicants must be holders of a recognised Teaching Diploma or Certificate in any of the following subjects: Applied Art and Design; Clothing, Textile and Fashion Design; Design and Technology. Possession of a relevant ‘A’ Level subject will be an advantage.

Bachelor of Science Education (Honours) Degree (Block Release)

The programme targets diploma holding non-graduate secondary school teachers and related personnel in the field of education who meet the requirements for admission by special entry into the two-year programme. Applicants must be employed as science, technology and mathematics teachers in secondary schools, colleges or related organisations at the time of applying. Applicants must have at least 5 ‘O’ Level subject passes including English Language and Mathematics, and be holders of a recognised secondary school teaching diploma in any of the following subjects: Accounting and Business Studies; Mathematics; Biology; Chemistry; Physics; Computer Science.

Applicants with a Primary School teaching qualification should also have a pass at A level in the intended subject of study or equivalent.

Bachelor of Technology Education (Honours) Degree – (Block Release)

Applicants must be non-graduate school teachers, college lecturers, trainers, instructors and related personnel in schools, institutions, organizations and industry who meet the requirements for admission by special entry into the two-year programme.
Applicants must have 5 ‘O’ Level subjects including English Language and Mathematics and be holders of National Diploma or recognised equivalent qualification in any of the following subjects: Civil and Construction Engineering; Electrical and Electronic Engineering; Mechanical and Industrial Engineering; Technical Graphics; Wood Science and Technology. Additionally, applicants must have a diploma or Certificate in Engineering, technology, technical or vocational education or its equivalent.

Bachelor of Design and Technology Education Honours Degree [Full-time]
Applications are invited from qualified candidates wishing to enrol for the full-time four-year programme.

Subject Options: Applied Art and Design; Clothing, Textile; Fashion Design, Design and Technology.

Entry requirements: Two ‘A’ Level passes including the relevant subject of specialization or its equivalent. Five ‘O’ Level passes including English language and Mathematics.

Bachelor of Science Education Honours Degree [Full-time]

Applications are invited from qualified candidates wishing to enrol for the full-time four-year programme.

Subject Options: Accounting and Business Studies, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Computer Science.

Entry requirements: Two ‘A’ Level passes including the relevant subject of specialization or its equivalent. Five ‘O’ Level passes including English language and Mathematics.

Bachelor of Technology Education Honours Degree [Full-time]

Applications are invited from qualified candidates wishing to enrol for the full-time four-year programme.

Subject Options: Civil and Construction Engineering, Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Technical Graphics, Wood Science and Technology, and Electrical and Electronics Engineering.

Entry requirements: Two ‘A’ Level passes including the relevant subject of specialization or its equivalent. Five ‘O’ Level passes including English language and Mathematics. 

Postgraduate Diploma in Science and Technology Education (PGDSTE]

Applicants must be holders of a Bachelor’s Degree in Science, Technology, Technical, or Commercial subjects taught in the Secondary School or College.

1. Be currently teaching in schools, colleges or related institutions.

NB: Admission into the programme will be subject to adequate numbers of applicants qualifying to make a class.

Postgraduate Diploma in Tertiary and Higher Education (PGDTHE)

Applicants must be holders of a Bachelor’s /Postgraduate Degree or equivalent from accredited and recognised institutions.

• Should have teaching/training experience in higher and tertiary education.

NB: Admission into the programme will be subject to adequate numbers of applicants qualifying to make a class.

Master of Technology Education Degree (MTechEd)

Applicants must be holders of a Bachelor’s Degree with a degree class of at least 2.2 in Applied Art and Design, Clothing, Textile and Fashion Design, Design and Technology.

• Should have a Certificate or Diploma in Science, Design, Technology or Technical Education.

NB: Admission into the programme will be subject to adequate numbers of applicants qualifying to make a class.

Master of Technology Education Degree (MTechEd)

Applicants must be holders of a Bachelor’s Degree with a degree class of at least 2.2 in Civil and Construction Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Technical Graphics, Wood Science and Technology.

• Should have a Certificate or Diploma in Engineering, Technology or Technical Education.

NB: Admission into the programme will be subject to adequate numbers of applicants qualifying to make a class.

Master of Science Education Degree (MScEd)

Applicants must be holders of a Bachelor’s Degree with a degree class of at least 2.2 in Accounting and Business Studies, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics.

• Should have a Certificate or Diploma in Education.

NB: Admission into the programme will be subject to adequate numbers of applicants qualifying to make a class.

Please be advised that the University will open, albeit in a phased manner, for lectures and Examinations on campus as follows:

1. Faculties of Commerce, The Built Environment, Communication and Information Science will start lectures on the 6^th of September, 2021.
2. Laboratory and practical work for the Faculties of Applied Sciences and Engineering will also commence on the 6^th of September, 2021.
3. Examinations for the Faculties of Applied Sciences, Engineering, Science and Technology Education will start on the 13^th of September, 2021.
4. Examinations for the Faculties of Commerce, The Built Environment, Communication and Information Science will commence on the 20^th of September, 2021.
5. Post graduate examinations will start on the 11th of October, 2021 and end on the 15^th of October, 2021.
6. Detailed Examinations Timetables will be posted on the website.
7. The First semester of the 2021/2022 academic year will start with First Years’ orientation from the 18^th of October, 2021.
8. Registration for returning students will open on the 25^th of October, 2021, and lectures will commence on the 1^st of November, 2021.

You are all encouraged to get the COVID-19 vaccination. Strict adherence to COVID-19 protocols will be enforced at all times.  Remember to always wear your mask, practise social distancing in public places and regularly wash/sanitise your hands.

Registrar

National University of Science and Technology Master of Philosophy (MPhil) students in the Applied Physics department, Prince Sigwegwe and Proficiency Munsaka have been selected to attend exchange studies at Uppsala University in Sweden.

An exchange program is when a student(s) from a secondary school or university study abroad at one of their institution's partner institutions.

Sigwegwe and Munsaka were recommended by the department of Applied Physics to the Research and Internalisation Office (RIO) which led them to apply for the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship so as to facilitate their studies at the Uppsala University.

“Uppsala University has exchange agreements with over 400 universities around the world. To attend Uppsala University as an exchange student, there must be a formal exchange agreement with your home university’’, reads the Uppsala University web page.

Munsaka and Sigwegwe have been presented with a prestigious opportunity as they will be able to compliment ideas gained at NUST. They also described the opportunity as a great achievement as they will be exposed to world class equipment and methods used by seasoned researchers. The exchange program is an extension of their studies as it compliments what they are learning at NUST.

As the two students were leaving they gave great gratitude to NUST as they described the courses that they studied as stepping stones of getting the scholarship

“Simply, NUST gave me all the tools to excel wherever I go’’, said Munsaka

Munsaka, who hails from Binga, expects to gain knowledge that will enable him to set up a gas spectroscopy laser based equipment for monitoring environment and industrial gas emissions.

Spectroscopy is the study of the absorption and emission of light and other radiation by matter. It involves the splitting of light (or more precisely electromagnetic radiation) into its constituent wavelengths (a spectrum), which is done in much the same way as a prism splits light into a rainbow of colors.

Mansaka and Sigwegwe’s join other NUST students who also have been selected to study at Uppsala University. In January 2021, Elton Moyo, Nothabo Hlabano and Khumbulawo Ngwira attended the Exchange program and came back in June 2021.