Zimbabwe“s Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister, Professor Amon Murwira, has urged African universities to evaluate the relevance of their curricula to meet the continent”s development challenges. This appeal was made during a public lecture at Universidade Púngue in Chimoio, Mozambique, where he emphasized the crucial role of education, science, and innovation in fostering societal progress through learning that is deeply connected to local heritage.
“It is not possible to say, “I am educated, but I am poor,”” remarked Prof Murwira. He elaborated that if education and poverty coexist, what is being imparted cannot truly be considered education but rather a hindrance. He stressed that education should yield practical benefits such as food security, health, innovation, dignity, and prosperity.
Distinguishing between training and education, he stated that while training may provide functional skills, education is about liberating the mind and nurturing creativity. “You can train a dog to jump, but you cannot educate it. Education is the ability to think, act, and create solutions,” he explained.
The minister also tackled misconceptions regarding science and local knowledge, asserting that scientific reasoning is universal and has long been evident in indigenous African technologies and practices. He pointed out that although digital tools can facilitate knowledge generation and sharing, they cannot replace organized and contextually relevant learning.
Prof Murwira discussed the Heritage-Based Education 5.0 model introduced under President Emmerson Mnangagwa“s Second Republic. This model emphasizes five core missions for higher education institutions: imparting knowledge grounded in local realities, conducting research that addresses local needs, engaging in community service, fostering innovation, and promoting industrialization. “If a university cannot drive industry, we must close it down,” he asserted, calling on educational institutions to deliver results beyond mere academic qualifications.
He highlighted Zimbabwe”s achievements under Education 5.0, including the establishment of innovation hubs, agro-industrial parks, and the successful launch of the ZimSat-1 and ZimSat-2 satellites. Prof Murwira underlined the necessity for curricula that resonate with local conditions, stating, “You cannot study polar bears when you have lions,” and advocating for education that reflects the climate, culture, and challenges faced by African communities.
In conclusion, he called for enhanced collaboration between Zimbabwe and Mozambique, aiming for joint efforts in innovation, industrialization, and cultural exchange. “Let us digitize our wisdom, industrialize our knowledge, and dignify our people through organized learning,” Prof Murwira declared.
