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Herald Reporter
Government has gazetted the Marondera University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology Bill, which will establish the university expected to address the growing demand for use of technologies and application of sciences.
The Bill is now expected to be tabled before Parliament for debate soon.

In terms of the Bill, one of the objectives of the university will be to specialise in agricultural sciences and technology and the advancement of knowledge through teaching, research and learning and the nurturing of the intellectual, aesthetic, social and moral growth of the students.

“No test of religious or political belief, race, ethnic, origin, nationality or gender shall be imposed upon or required of any person in order to entitle him or her to be admitted as a member of staff or student of the university or to hold any office therein or privilege thereof,” read section six of the Bill.

Clause seven confers the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe or his or her nominee as the Chancellor of the University. The Bill also provides for how the university council would be constituted and its functions.

The establishment of a university in Marondera will bring to nine the number of institutions of higher learning owned by Government and is part of fulfilment of an objective to have such institutions in all provinces.

Other universities are the University of Zimbabwe, Midlands State University, Chinhoyi University of Science and Technology, National University of Science and Technology, Lupane State University, Bindura University of Science Education, Great Zimbabwe University and Zimbabwe Open University.

Zimbabwe prides as the first in terms of literacy rate in Africa owing to a deliberate effort by Government, led by President Mugabe, to enhance education delivery across the country.

From a single university at independence in 1980, the country has seen the number of Government-run institution of higher learning growing and enrolment increasing.