By Melissa Magara
Bindura, Zimbabwe – Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University (ZEGU) radiated with pride and celebration as it held its 9th graduation ceremony this Friday, capping 515 graduates in a vibrant event held in Bindura. The auspicious occasion coincided with the significant month of May for the ZAOGA Forward in Faith Ministries International, a period that recently saw the commemoration of Ezekiel Guti Day, honoring the life and legacy of the church and university’s revered founder who passed away two years ago.
The graduation ceremony marked a significant step in ZEGU’s growth, with the institution celebrating its inaugural cohort of Master’s degree graduates. ZEGU Chancellor Dr. Joseph Guti expressed his delight, stating, “We are pleased to host this 9th graduation ceremony coming two years after our departed founder and visionary was laid to rest. We had the first masters students graduating so we are quite excited.”
Echoing this sentiment, ZAOGA Forward in Faith Ministries International Senior Archbishop Professor Eunor Guti affirmed the enduring impact of the founder’s vision. “This is the legacy which he (Professor Ezekiel Guti) left us. You will continue to see even more graduates than the 515 you saw today. We will grow and grow,” she declared.
The Deputy Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Honourable Simelisiswe Sibanda, graced the event as the guest of honour. He emphasized the government’s commitment to reshaping education to meet the evolving needs of the nation. “It is my pleasure to officiate at the 9th graduation of ZEGU. We are walking this path together in producing higher and tertiary education. Industrialisation and modernisation is our goal as Zimbabwe,” Honourable Sibanda stated.
ZEGU Vice Chancellor Professor Innocent Chirisa highlighted the university’s strategic direction, noting the implementation of the 2023-2028 strategic plan, which aligns with the heritage-based curriculum and places a strong emphasis on research.
Notably, female graduates constituted the majority, with 353 women among the 515 students who received their degrees, while 162 were male.
The elated graduates expressed their profound joy and commitment to contributing to both personal and national progress. One graduate shared, “I am happy to be graduating. It was not an easy road but I made it. I give gratitude to God.” Another remarked, “I am grateful to ZEGU for establishing a total person and I am grateful to our founder Archbishop Guti for this University. I will uphold the academic and religious values I was taught here.” A social work graduate pledged, “With my new found qualification in social work I will work for the development of local communities so that I influence the National drive towards prosperity.”
The 9th graduation ceremony at ZEGU stands as a testament to the university’s continued growth and its dedication to producing well-rounded graduates poised to contribute meaningfully to Zimbabwe’s future.
