The Sunday Mail
Government has awarded institution of higher learning status to catholic run Arrupe Jesuit College, making it the seventh private university in Zimbabwe.
The university status comes as the country has witnessed the establishment of at least 12 state universities since 2000.
Aruupe Jesuit University began 24 years ago as a college specialising in Philosophy and Humanities studies.
At a ceremony to confer the status recently, Higher and Tertiary Education deputy director (education programmes) Mrs Maria Angela Adriano said universities were a key driver of economic development.
“Arrupe Jesuit becomes our seventh private university, making it the 21st university in the country where 14 are state universities,” said Mrs Adriano.
Arrupe University Chancellor Father Agbonkhianmeghe Orobator said the institution would make its mark on national development. “We are indeed honoured to be part of the nation’s steering wheel as envisioned by the President in driving the nation towards economic wellness,” he said.
“As we join the crew towards economic growth, our programmes will be constructed in a consultative, pioneering and brave way largely anchored on clear communication channels.”
At the ceremony, University of Zimbabwe Vice-Chancellor Professor Levi Nyagura said Arrupe had been an outstanding academic institution, and its new status brought with it greater expectations from the public.
Prof Nyagura urged the university to “contribute to the knowledge-based economy and you must now venture into relevant areas of Science, Technology and Mathematics”.
