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Runesu Gwidi Masvingo Correspondent
The Reformed Church University has appointed academic luminary Professor Obert Maravanyika as the institution’s substantive Vice Chancellor.

The appointment is with effect from August 1.

He takes over from Reverend Enos Chomutiri who was occupying the position in an acting capacity.

This followed the departure of the university’s first Vice Chancellor Professor Wiseman Magwa in November last year.

RCU has been on the hunt for a substantive Vice Chancellor since Professor Magwa’s departure and has finally settled for Professor Maravanyika, who has also served as Vice Chancellor of Great Zimbabwe University.

Addressing a press conference to announce Professor Maravanyika’s new appointment, RCU Chancellor Reverend Dr Rangarirai Rutoro said his institution was confident in the new Vice Chancellor’s capacity to propel the university to dizzy heights.

Dr Rutoro, who is also the moderator of the Reformed Church in Zimbabwe said RCU would continue on its thrust to offer quality education.

“We are very confident that Prof Maravanyika would lead the growth and sustainability of the University, considering his vast wealth of experience in the field of higher and tertiary education,” said Dr Rutoro.

“We welcome him (Professor Maravanyika) on board. He has come at a time when the RCU is realigning its business model to pursue a growth trajectory that ensures sustainability. As RCU, we call upon all stakeholders to support Prof Maravanyika as the incoming RCU Vice Chancellor.”

The RCU Chancellor said the university’s council was confident in Professor Maravanyika’s capabilities to steer the institution.

“Through the leadership of Prof Maravanyika we expect that the university will continue to play an active role in human capital development for the betterment of the region and the nation at large,” said Dr Rutoro.

The director of business development, information and public relations at RCU Mr Stephen Chikozho described Professor Maravanyika as an academic luminary, researcher and administrator of repute.

“Professor Maravanyika holds a PhD in Curriculum Analysis from the University of Zimbabwe. His work experience dates back to 1979. He worked as the administrative chair of the University of Zimbabwe from 1982-1986 and rose through the ranks, became Vice Chancellor at Masvingo State University (2002-2005), Great Zimbabwe University (2005-2012) and sat on several academic boards,” said Mr Chikozho.

Commenting on his new appointment, Professor Maravanyika said he was delighted with his new challenge at RCU.

“I wish to extend my deepest respect and appreciation to the RCU for bestowing upon me the responsibility and authority to lead the nation’s most promising institution of higher education,” he said.

“My efforts will be geared towards the development of the university attributes, which include intellectual curiosity and world-class innovative teaching. We expect the RCU to scratch where it itches in terms of quality teaching skills.”

He applauded the Government for seriously considering the provision of loans for tertiary education students.

Present at the press conference were members of the RCU Council led by its chair Dr Augustine Mazvuru, the university’s SRC representatives and other RCZ senior officials.