Midlands State University scooped various outstanding awards and recognitions at the auspicious and momentous inaugural Presidential Innovation Fair held from the 19th to the 20th of April 2023 at the Harare International Conference Centre.
Running under the theme, “Innovation Excellence for Vision 2030 and Beyond,” the event was aimed toward showcasing current innovations and technologies by higher and tertiary education institutions, agencies and other government research and innovation departments that have contributed to improving Zimbabwe’s resilience by proving technologies, goods and services.
Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Professor dr. Amon Murwira highlighted that by launching the outcomes-oriented Education 5.0 doctrine as a shift from the research and teaching focused Education 3.0, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Cde. Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa inaugurated the, ‘Chimurenga Chepfungwa’ journey which misses no word in stating that the level of development of a country is directly related to the level of correct education of its people.
“Correct education is that which gives appropriate knowledge, skills and attitudes,” said Professor dr. Murwira.
Remarking during the event, Vice President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Honourable Cde. General (Rtd) Dr. C. D. G. N. Chiwenga celebrated the shift towards a mindset of innovation and industrialisation in the new generation of thinkers inspired by the Education 5.0 philosophy.
“To date, universities have produced more than enough sanitizers for the nation,” said Vice President Cde. Retired General Dr. Chiwenga.
His Excellency and Chancellor, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Cde. Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa iterated that in light of the realisation that innovation is an engine for growth and prosperity in any society, the Second Republic reconfigured the higher education system.
“The model requires that all our institutions of higher and tertiary learning act as centres of innovation and industrialisation by leveraging local resources for the production of goods and services for our people.
“The recognition and appreciation of the achievers should motivate others so that as a country, we build a larger community of innovators in our universities and colleges given that success breeds more success,” His Excellency, President Mnangagwa said.
Accompanied by his entourage, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe toured the exhibitions including an exploration of the Midlands State University stand.
During the awards ceremony, Midlands State University scooped the Best Exhibition Stand award.
Through its drama series Tsvakai currently airing on the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Television, the University scooped the Best Innovation in Arts and Humanities.
The recently launched MSU National Pathology Research and Diagnostic Centre was the 1st Runner Up for the Best Innovation in Health.
Midlands State University was the 1st Runner Up in the Best Collaborative Research/Innovation undertaken by industry and academia category for the ZIMCHEM Refineries.
The Best Collaborative Project Among Universities, was scooped by the National Number Plate Project which is a collaboration of Midlands State University, University of Zimbabwe, National University of Science and Technology, Harare Institute of Technology, Chinhoyi University of Technology, Bindura University of Science Education, Harare Polytechnic and Mutare Polytechnic.
Minister of Defence and War Veterans Affairs, Honourable Cde. O. C. Z. Muchinguri-Kashiri thanked the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe for his visionary leadership showcased in the Chimurenga Chepfungwa Revolution.
The event was attended by students and staff from higher and tertiary education institutions, agencies and government research and innovation departments.

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