By Correspondent
Professor Irvin Mpofu has been installed as the new Vice Chancellor of Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT), succeeding the institution’s founding Vice Chancellor, Professor David Simbi.
CUT Chancellor and President Emmerson Mnangagwa formally installed Mpofu during the university’s 22nd graduation ceremony on Wednesday afternoon.
A total of 3,495 graduands — 1,747 males and 1,748 females — from different faculties were capped by the President during the ceremony.
This year’s graduation coincides with CUT’s Silver Jubilee, marking 25 years of the university, and is being held under the theme: “25 Years of Technology-Driven Scholarship and Transformational Impact Through Heritage-Based Education.”
Four outstanding graduands were also recognised with Chancellor’s Awards. Nyarai Effort Chaibva was named Overall Best Graduating Female Student, while Tanatswa Bhasera was named Overall Best Graduating Male Student, with each receiving US$1,000.
Leah Plaxcedes Siziba and Benson Nyamupinga were recognised as the second-best graduating female and male students respectively.
Mpofu takes over from Professor Simbi, who retired in May after leading CUT from its formative years and overseeing its growth into one of Zimbabwe’s major science and technology-focused universities.An experienced academic, researcher and university administrator, Mpofu previously served as CUT’s Pro Vice Chancellor responsible for Academic Affairs and Administration.
He has nearly three decades of higher education experience, including academic and leadership roles in Zimbabwe, Namibia and Rwanda.
An animal scientist by training, Mpofu holds a PhD in Animal Science, specialising in Animal Mineral Nutrition, from the University of Pretoria, and has extensive research experience in animal nutrition, livestock production and agricultural innovation.
His installation marks a major leadership transition at CUT and comes as the institution celebrates 25 years of technology-driven higher education.
Wednesday’s ceremony therefore marked a double milestone for CUT — the graduation of 3,495 students and the beginning of a new leadership era under Professor Mpofu.
