Zimbabwe“s Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister, Professor Amon Murwira, has emphasized the need for African universities to evaluate the relevance of their educational programs in relation to the continent”s development requirements. This call to action was made during a public address at Universidade Púngue in Chimoio, Mozambique, where he discussed the pivotal role of education, science, and innovation in advancing societal development through a focus on heritage-based learning.
During his lecture, Prof Murwira stated, “It is not possible to say, “I am educated, but I am poor.” If education and poverty co-exist, what is being taught is not education; it is poison.” He argued that education must yield practical benefits, such as food security, health advancements, innovation, dignity, and overall prosperity.
Distinguishing between training and education, he explained that while training provides specific skills, true education liberates the mind and fosters creativity. “You can train a dog to jump, but you cannot educate it. Education is the ability to think, act, and create solutions,” he remarked.
Prof Murwira addressed common misunderstandings about science and local knowledge, asserting that scientific reasoning is universal and has long been present in indigenous African technologies and practices. He also noted that while digital tools can aid in the production and sharing of knowledge, they cannot substitute for organized, relevant local education.
The minister introduced the Heritage-Based Education 5.0 model, which was established under President Emmerson Mnangagwa”s Second Republic. This framework highlights five essential missions for tertiary institutions: imparting knowledge grounded in local contexts, conducting research that meets community needs, engaging in community service, fostering innovation, and promoting industrialization. “If a university cannot cause industry, we must close it down,” he stated, emphasizing the need for higher education to deliver outcomes that extend beyond mere academic certifications.
In discussing Zimbabwe“s achievements under the Education 5.0 initiative, which includes the establishment of innovation hubs and agro-industrial parks as well as the development of the ZimSat-1 and ZimSat-2 satellites, he reiterated the importance of creating curricula that are pertinent to local realities. “You cannot study polar bears when you have lions,” he said, advocating for an educational approach that reflects the climate, culture, and challenges faced by African communities.
Concluding his remarks, Prof Murwira called for enhanced collaboration between Zimbabwe and Mozambique through joint efforts in innovation, industrialization, and cultural exchange. “Let us digitize our wisdom, industrialize our knowledge, and dignify our people through organized learning,” he urged.
