Ministry of Higher & Tertiary Education Science & Technology Development

*The Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education Innovation Science and Technology Development Shines Among Security Forces:* ZINGSA’s Tawanda Billiat Secures Top 10 Finish at ZRP Health and Wellness Marathon.

We are delighted to celebrate the outstanding achievement of Mr. Tawanda Billiat from ZINGSA, who proudly represented the Ministry during the 3rd Edition of the ZRP Women’s Network Health and Wellness Day held at the ZRP Golf Club in Harare.

Mr. Billiat delivered an impressive performance in the Men’s 5-kilometre marathon, finishing in 10th position among a highly competitive field largely made up of full-time athletes from the security services. Remarkably, out of two hundred athletes, he was the only civilian participant to secure a place in the top ten.

His achievement is a testament to the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development’s commitment to promoting health, wellness and an active lifestyle among its staff. Participation in events of this nature not only encourages physical fitness but also reinforces our dedication to excellence, discipline and teamwork.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Billiat for this commendable accomplishment. We also applaud the Zimbabwe Republic Police Women's Network for successfully organizing such an important event that promotes health, unity and community engagement.

Mr. Billiat has truly represented the Ministry with pride and distinction. His achievement is an inspiration to many, and we look forward to seeing even more successes in the future.
Congratulations once again, Mr. Billiat, and thank you for flying the Ministry’s flag high.

The National Clean-Up Day
Today, the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science, and Technology Development joined people across Zimbabwe in the National Clean-Up Campaign.
Held on the first Friday of each month, the initiative reflects a nationwide pledge to foster a clean a clean, safe and healthy environment.
This day is about more than just picking up litter — it’s about:
- 🌱 Protecting Zimbabwe’s natural beauty and wildlife
- 🏡 Building healthier communities free from pollution
- 🌍 Spreading awareness on sustainable habits and responsible waste disposal
A clean environment fuels innovation, progress, and national pride. Let’s all keep doing our part to make Zimbabwe safe, clean, and sustainable.

DEPUTY MINISTER TOURS GWANDA STATE UNIVERSITY.
The Deputy Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Honourable Simelisiswe Sibanda, today toured the Gwanda State University campus at Epoch Mine in Filabusi.
The Gwanda State University is one of the newly established state-owned universities created by the Government of Zimbabwe as part of its commitment to expanding access to higher and tertiary education while driving innovation and industrialisation.
During the tour, Honourable Sibanda visited key institutional projects, including livestock production units, poultry farming projects and laboratory facilities, which play a critical role in enhancing skills development, research and community engagement.
The visit underscores Government's continued support for strengthening infrastructure, innovation and practical learning in higher and tertiary institutions in line with Education 5.0

The Gwanda State University is honoured to welcome the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education Innovation Science and Technology Development Honourable Simelisiswe Sibanda who will visit the University's main campus at Epoch Mine today. The Deputy Minister will be touring the campus to see firsthand the exciting projects and initiatives underway at GSU. The University is looking foward to showcasing its innovative work and sharing vision for the future.
Stay tuned for updates from the visit
5.0

Beyond Distance: The Hidden Power of Zimbabwe Open University.

Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) has a rich history that dates back to 1993 when it was established as the Centre for Distance Education under the University of Zimbabwe. The university was later renamed to Zimbabwe Open University in 1999 through an Act of Parliament. The University is mandated by the government of Zimbabwe through an Act of Parliament, ZOU Act (Chapter 25:20) to provide Higher Education through Open and Distance electronic Learning (ODeL).

The University has seven faculties: The Faculty of Agriculture, the Faculty of Arts, Culture and Heritage Studies, the Faculty of Education, the Faculty of Commerce and Law, the Faculty of Applied Social Sciences, the Faculty of Science and Technology, and the Faculty of Information Technology and Multimedia Communication. The institution has a Higher Degrees Directorate which caters for those students undertaking Master of Philosophy and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. All Zimbabwe Open University programmes are accredited by the national regulator, the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education (ZIMCHE).

The main reason for the establishment of ZOU was to provide higher education through open and distance learning, catering to the needs of students who couldn't access traditional university education due to various barriers such as distance, time, and financial constraints.

Over the years, ZOU has grown to become the largest university in Zimbabwe in terms of enrolment, with over 46,000 students graduating since its inception. The university offers a wide range of academic programs through its seven faculties, including, Agriculture, Arts, Commerce, Education, Applied Social Sciences, ICT and Science.

The benefits of ZOU to the country and the world are numerous. For instance, the university's open and distance e-learning (ODEL) model has made higher education more accessible and affordable to people from all walks of life, regardless of their geographical location. This has helped to increase the number of skilled personnel in the country, contributing to national development.

Additionally, ZOU's programs have been designed to address the socio-economic needs of the country, with a focus on areas such as agriculture, health, and education. The university has also partnered with various organizations to offer training programs that promote entrepreneurship, innovation, and community development.

In terms of global impact, ZOU has become a model for open and distance e-learning in Africa and beyond. The university has collaborated with international organizations to offer joint programs and research initiatives, promoting cross-cultural exchange and knowledge sharing.

Overall, Zimbabwe Open University has made significant contributions to the development of higher education in Zimbabwe and the world at large. Its commitment to open and distance learning has opened up new opportunities for people to access quality education, promoting social and economic development.

📌ZOU's Teaching & Learning Mode

With Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU), you can study online from the comfort of your own space. As an Open and Distance E-Learning (ODEL) university, ZOU utilizes technology to deliver quality education to its students.

ODEL stands for Open and Distance Electronic Learning, which means that our university uses digital platforms to provide flexible and accessible learning opportunities to students who may not be able to attend traditional brick-and-mortar institutions.

At ZOU, students and lecturers interact through our online student portal, MyVista, which hosts a wealth of teaching and learning materials. This platform enables students to access course materials, submit assignments, and engage with their peers and lecturers remotely.

Studying with an ODEL university like ZOU offers several advantages over conventional universities. Some of these benefits include:

- Flexibility: Study at your own pace, anytime, and from any location.
- Accessibility: Reach quality education from the comfort of your own home, without the need for relocation.
- Affordability: Reduce costs associated with transportation, accommodation, and other expenses.
- Self-paced learning: Take control of your learning experience and progress at a pace that suits you.

However, to fully benefit from our ODEL programs, students are required to have access to electronic gadgets such as laptops, computers, smartphones, or tablets. These devices will enable you to access our online platforms, engage with course materials, and participate in virtual discussions.

ZOU is committed to bringing education to your doorstep. Join ZOU today and experience the flexibility and convenience of ODEL learning!

📌ONLINE EXAMINATIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL /VIRTUAL STUDENTS

Zimbabwe Open University offers online exams (International students), allowing students to take their exams from the comfort of their own homes. To ensure the integrity of the exam process, students are required to:

- Have a reliable and uninterrupted internet connection
- Use a computer or laptop with a we**am and microphone
- Be alone in a quiet, private room with no distractions
- Be under live video surveillance during the exam
- Have a government-issued ID available for verification

Additionally, students may need to:

- Download and install specific software or plugins to access the exam platform
- Conduct a system check before the exam to ensure their technology meets the required specifications
- Follow specific instructions provided by the university's exam administration team

By following these guidelines, students can ensure a smooth and secure online exam experience.

ACCREDITED UNIVERSITIES IN ZIMBABWE

STATE UNIVERSITIES
-Bindura University of Science Education (BUSE).
-Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT).
-Great Zimbabwe University (GZU).
-Gwanda State University (GSU).
-Harare Institute of Technology (HIT).
-Lupane State University (LSU).
-Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences (MSUAS).
-Marondera University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (MUAST).
-Midlands State University (MSU).
-National University of Science and Technology (NUST).
-University of Zimbabwe (UZ).
-Zimbabwe National Defence University (ZNDU).
-Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU).
-The Pan African University of Minerals Processing (PAUMP).

PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES
-Africa University (AU),
-Arrupe Jesult University (AJU).
-Catholic University in Zimbabwe (CUZ).
-Reformed Church University (RCU).
-Solusi University (SU),
-Women's University in Africa (WUA).
-Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University (ZEGU).

INTERGOVERNMENTAL INSTITUTIONS

-Eastern and Southern African Management
-Institute (ESAMI)

Do you know?
Zimbabwe is now manufacturing its own smart number plates through the groundbreaking initiative housed at one of our leading institutions of higher learning. This milestone is being spearheaded by ZimSmart Tech, a local company operating in collaboration with state university under the transformative Education 5.0
This development is a clear demonstration of the fruits of Education 5.0, which emphasizes teaching, research, community service, and industrialisation. It marks a significant step in aligning higher and tertiary education with national developmental needs, where institutions do not only train graduates but also produce goods and services that contribute to the economy.