Story by Kenias Chivuzhe
FORMER Mozambican President Joaquim Chissano has underscored the importance of increased investments towards the education sector and technological advancement to achieve accelerated development in Africa.
He said this during Africa University’s 30th graduation ceremony this Saturday.
The former president of Mozambique graced Africa University’s 30th graduation ceremony this Saturday where he underscored the importance of increased investments towards the education sector.
“Education lies at the heart of Africa’s development. It is the key which unlocks the development door. Our continent has been grappling with the shackles of poverty, inequality and underdevelopment but with the power of education, we have the opportunity to break free from these chains and chart a new course towards progress and prosperity. We must speak of the hard-won peace to our children and to future generations so that they know how to defend and preserve it. Peace must be taught in schools so that the culture of peace becomes embedded in our way of life. Peace must be our concern today, always and forever. We must therefore promote the culture of peace as it is a guarantee for success in every sphere of life,” he said.
The minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Professor Amon Murwira also added his voice on the need to invest towards educational advancement.
“The state of development of any country within the world is a manifestation of the state of knowledge, skills, values and attitudes of the people of that country. Simply state, the development reflects the state of education. As countries, people and as humanity, we cannot become what we do not know, we cannot become what we cannot do, we cannot become what we cannot value and we cannot become what we do not wish to become. To this end, it is correct to say no country in this universe can develop faster than the development of its education system,” he said.
The University reaffirmed its commitment to offer transformative education.
“Yesterday’s re-launch of the Institute of Peace, leadership and Governance programme underscores our resolve to promote lasting peace across Africa. We also introduced software engineering and a Master of Science in organisational phycology. We are also excited to announce the launch of an undergraduate degree in artificial sciences,” said Africa University Vice Chancellor, Reverend Professor Peter Mageto.
The graduates from 22 African countries are optimistic that they will promote positive change in their countries and contribute towards the growth of Africa.
“I want to promote eco-education and access to technology as I have completed a bachelor of computer science and information systems,” said one of the graduates.
Another added, “The former President of Mozambique inspired us. I want to bring a positive change towards governance issues in my country.”
“We have been ignited and inspired and when I go back to my country I will endure my skills and benefit my community,” another student noted.
Another said, “I think we should leverage technology to tell people more about how to promote peace in the world. Sometimes people underestimate the importance of peace in the world.”
123 graduated with Masters degrees, while three graduated with doctorate degrees.
