On the 30th of March 2022, Midlands State University hosted a workshop with delegates from Japan International Cooperation Agency Zimbabwe (JICA) in a partnership move that will see the University hosting volunteers from the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers Programme.

In his welcome remarks, Executive Dean of Science and Technology Dr Action Nechibvute highlighted that the University’s modus operandi is driven by the parent ministry’s Education 5.0 philosophy.

As such, its ultimate goal is not only the promotion of industrialisation and commercialisation but also to produce graduates that are internationally employable and relevant.

Dr A. Nechibvute appraised the visiting Japanese delegation of the University’s multiple campuses in Gweru, Zvishavane, Harare and Kwekwe with a student population of no less than 26 000.

JICA Zimbabwe Deputy Resident Representative Mr R.Shiga provided a brief background about JICA Zimbabwe.

He averred that the Japan International Cooperation Agency Zimbabwe (JICA) is an agency under Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs that aims at providing technical cooperation with low-income countries.

Mr Shiga said that he hopes the University will participate in the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers Programme in which the institution will host Japanese volunteers in technical areas. He also thanked the University for hosting a volunteer who contributed to the institution as a Volley Ball coach.

JICA Program Officer Mr C. Ndlovu highlighted that their Agency has so far dispatched more than 500 volunteers in Zimbabwe since 1989. Currently, Zimbabwe is hosting six volunteers across the country working in various fields such as Information and Communication Technology, Physical Education, Tourism and Sports.

Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Grace Mugumbate offered language and culture training to the JICA volunteers at the University’s National Language Institute. She pointed out that the University has interests in Pharmaceuticals and industrialisation.

Delivering his vote of thanks, Dr Reginald Matchaba-Hove the Executive Dean of Medicine and Health Sciences thanked JICA for extending a call for a potential partnership with the University. He highlighted that the University is keenly interested in working with JICA in all the areas that the delegates highlighted.

The JICA Zimbabwe-MSU cooperation workshop was hosted by the Midlands State University Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Grace Mugumbate, Assistant to the Vice-Chancellor Professor Hazel Ngoshi, Director of Marketing and Public Relations Mrs Mirirai Mawere, Deputy Registrar Dr Kudzaishe Mudzingwa, Executive Dean of Business Sciences Dr Miriam Mugwati, Executive Dean of Education Professor Efiritha Chauraya, Executive Dean of Student Affairs Mrs Fadzai Chakauya, Language Researcher Dr Vincent Jenjekwa and Grants Officer Dr Ivan Manyonga.

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