Dr Godfrey Gandawa
Lloyd Shunje
MUTARE – The Deputy Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development Dr Godfrey Gandawa last week presided over Mutare Polytechnic’s 28th graduation and prize giving ceremony.
Out of the 716 graduates who were conferred with certificates and diplomas, 417 were males while 299 were females.
Speaking at the event, Dr Gandawa said advancements in technology require lecturers to undergo some extra training so that they will be well-versed in all areas they are expected to master.
Gandawa said his ministry will soon come up with a policy which will compel and make it mandatory for lecturers to undergo industrial attachment so that they interact with the latest technologies.
“Students go out on industrial attachment where they familiarise themselves with modern technologies and when they come back, they will be way ahead of their lecturers in as far as technology literacy is concerned.
“The ministry will soon make it mandatory, through policy, for all lecturers to undergo industrial attachment as a condition for their employment.
“Lecturing staff must attach themselves to industry to acquire requisite skills that will allow them to produce a competent and relevant graduate because technology in industry is fast changing,” Dr Gandawa said.
Mutare Polytechnic principal Poniso Watema said the institution was working to set up a vehicle canopy production centre.
“The institution embarked on consultations on registration of patents and trademarking for a project in the production of vehicle canopies.
“Ultimately the institution hopes to train students in canopy production who in turn will start their own business through a business incubation process. Five lectures have undergone training in this regard,” said Watema.education
