Zimbabwe National Defence University Admissions 2023 – 2023
National Defence University Officially Launched
The Commander-In-Chief of the Zimbabwe National Defence Forces, President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa officially launched the Zimbabwe National Defence University at Rodgers Alfred Nikita Mangena Barracks on 16 November 2018.
In his keynote address at the launch, President Mnangagwa highlighted that the university was geared towards contributing to the economic growth of the country.
“The emergence of this university is not only timeous, but also opportune as it is going to enhance the development of human capital in various disciplines in the context of defence, security and the protection of our territorial integrity.
“The university is joining the higher and tertiary education sector following a paradigm shift with regards to the contribution of institutions of higher learning to the revival, industrialisation, modernisation and growth of our country,” he said.
The President also challenged the university to explore ideas and innovations that promote economic growth. “The university must develop a broad and comprehensive education system with a responsive curriculum where students appreciate the broader socio-economic, technological and political aspirations illuminated by an all-encompassing strategic thought of national peace and security,”
“To this end, the university must proffer dynamic, cutting-edge ideas, insights, skills and innovations that will set our country on a new economic growth trajectory. I, therefore, challenge the university to complement other institutions of higher learning in areas of research needed to understand and authoritatively analyse contemporary national issues using both theoretical and empirical tools for pragmatic and realistic outcomes,” said President Mnangagwa.
President Mnangagwa was also appointed ZNDU Chancellor at the launch ceremony. He also led a ground-breaking ceremony at the site where an Innovation Incubation Hub would be constructed near the university premises.
Commander Defence Forces, General Philip Valerio Sibanda, who is also the Vice Chairman of the university’s Council thanked President Mnangagwa for gracing the occasion and said he would ensure that the transition to a fully-fledged university would be smooth. “I would like to take this opportunity to reassure you that the council will now do everything in our power to ensure that the transition to a fully-fledged university is implemented.”
The Zimbabwe National Defence University became a university when it transformed from being the National Defence College in March 2017. The ceremony was attended by Vice President Kembo Mohadi, Defence and War Veterans Affairs Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, service chiefs and other senior Government officials.
The Zimbabwe Staff College will next year introduce a Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree in Defence and Security Studies.
The degree programme will be offered in conjunction with the University of Zimbabwe (UZ) and seeks to equip military officers with requisite knowledge on global contemporary defence and security issues and challenges.
Addressing graduates who were conferred with diplomas in Defence and Security Studies and Adult Education at Zimbabwe Staff College last Friday, Secretary for Defence, Security and War Veterans Mr Martin Rushwaya said new global defence and security issues now require robust inter-disciplinary approach instead of the traditional military approach.
“The Zimbabwe Staff College has successfully run several diploma intakes in Adult Education and Defence and Security studies since attaining full associate status with the University of Zimbabwe. The college has also successfully produced three Bachelor of Adult Education degree programmes,” he said.
“A Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree in Defence and Security Studies programme is scheduled to be launched in 2018. Such strides in defence and security education clearly attest to the fact that contemporary defence and security issues and challenges now require robust inter-disciplinary approach instead of the traditional military approach.”
He added:”The new degree programme will certainly provide students with a deeper understanding of defence and security issues by examining issues such as Theories of Defence and Security and National Security studies, among others. It will equip our officers with the knowledge and practical skills that will enable them to engage in and manage critical aspects in defence and security at individual, national and international level.”
Mr Rushwaya expressed gratitude to UZ for its support in sponsoring programmes that the college is running, adding that the programmes have helped in sharpening the officers’ comprehension, articulation and response to complex contemporary defence and security challenges, particularly with regards to command and leadership, strategy formulation and general military management.
Speaking at the same occasion, UZ Vice Chancellor Professor Levy Nyagura said, “I wish to applaud the efforts being made by the college towards the introduction of the new degree programme next year. The University of Zimbabwe is willing to share professional and academic experiences in the implementation of the degree programme.”
A total number of 634 officers have been conferred diplomas in Defence and Security Studies and Adult Education since 2003 when the Staff College attained full associate status with the UZ.