To further strengthen the bond between industry and academics, Bindura University of Science Education (BUSE) invited the Zimbabwe Institution of Engineering (ZIE) to tour the newly commissioned Engineering Complex and Innovation Hub.
BUSE is actively seeking opportunities to better integrate their students for the world of work and this visit by ZIE brought insight into how well the University has adopted the heritage-based Education 5.0 philosophy.
ZIA expressed their satisfaction with the quality of engineering teaching and learning facilities at BUSE. The group, which included ZIE Senior Vice-President Dr. Eng Tammy Stevenson and Mashonaland Area Chairman Eng. Kevin Simbarashe Mutete, was led by Vice-Chancellor Professor Eddie Mwenje in touring the electrical, mechanical, and agricultural Engineering workshops, the electronic engineering laboratory as well as the Innovation Hub.
They were shown various prototypes and products BUSE students are working on and had an opportunity to taste the famous BUSE Masawu Juice.
Eng. Kevin Mutete expressed his delight and satisfaction with BUSE’s adoption of the Education 5.0 philosophy.
He said, “I am proud to see that the University has taken the initiative to foster and forge forward the mantra for Education 5.0 where we are closing the gap between students being academic and them being practical when they are in the industry.”
Dr. Eng Stevenson said she was motivated by what she saw particularly the number of female students studying engineering courses.
“I have seen what BUSE has in the workshops and I am very motivated by it. Let us continue to promote the students towards innovation so that they can make an impact in the nation,” said Dr Eng. Stevenson.
Vice Chancellor Professor Eddie Mwenje was equally satisfied with ZIE’s endorsement as they guide the quality and standard of the engineering profession.
“We are so happy with ZIE’s input concerning the instrumentation that we have at the University as well as the type of infrastructure that we have developed. We are looking forward to more collaborations with them. We are also excited that through this partnership our students will have access to the industry and come under the mentorship,” remarked Prof. Mwenje
In line with the thrust of Education 5.0, BUSE is set to introduce mining and petroleum engineering programmes following the recent discovery of oil in Muzarabani district.
