Mutare Poly, AU host research, innovation conference

Lovemore KadzuraPost ReporterMUTARE Polytechnic and Africa University on Thursday joined forces to host a two-day research and innovation conference, exploring the role of inclusive technical and vocational education in driving sustainable economic growth.The conference, which concluded yesterday, drew attendees from various institutions, including Manicaland State University for Applied Sciences, Harare Polytechnic, Bulawayo Polytechnic, Masvingo Polytechnic, and the Research Council of Zimbabwe.Africa University Vice Chancellor Professor Peter MagetoThe event aimed to explore how Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) can foster industrialisation, job creation, and poverty reduction.Mutare Polytechnic principal, Ms Poniso Watema said the conference aims to facilitate the exchange of ideas on achieving social development goals through cutting-edge innovations led by higher learning institutions.“This is our seventh research conference and the first joint research conference with Africa University. We want to network, collaborate, and cross-pollinate ideas,” she said.Mutare Poly principal Ms Poniso WatemaAfrica University Vice Chancellor, Professor Peter Mageto noted that the conference provides a platform for budding researchers to showcase their findings and receive peer review.Professor Mageto called for increased support for research from the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, and the Research Council of Zimbabwe.“One of the key objectives of this conference is to listen to upcoming researchers in various areas that touch our lives. This collaboration will run for years to come, and our aim is to enhance the skills of our researchers with the support of the Ministry and the Research Council of Zimbabwe,” said Professor Mageto.Lecturers and students from these institutions showcasing their research findings, highlighting the potential for TVET to drive economic growth and development.Research Council of Zimbabwe executive director Dr Parton ChikudzaBy leveraging research and innovation, Zimbabwe’s higher education institutions can play a pivotal role in addressing the country’s socio-economic challenges and positioning it for success in an increasingly competitive global landscape.Research Council of Zimbabwe executive director, Dr Partson Chikudza said they open to fund innovative researches starting from primary school to promote a culture of research.“We are happy to see such engagements between our research institutions.

Our country is research based economy. Without research this country cannot develop. We upon our universities and other institutions of higher learning to embark into serious research to catch up with other countries are doing.“We want to go as far as the Early Childhood Development level to catch them young so that our students grow up with a culture of research.

We are ready to provide funding through Treasury, partners and industry,” said Dr Chikudza.Share on FacebookPost on XFollow usSave

Originally published on Zimbabwe Herald

Source: Zimbabwe Herald