Durning the last 10 years the number of universties sprouting around the country has increased significantly.We have seen the likes Midlands State University (MSU), Africa University, Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) and lots more being developed.Others such as Matobo University, Lutheran University are on the drawing boards and we should see something coming up soon.

Is this move of having more universities in the country a positive or negative development?Will it not compromise the quality of graduates being produced in Zimbabwe?Or will it create competition amongst varsities hence increase the quality of graduates?Should such institues continue increasing or govt. should put stop?

lithini bantu?

The more universities the better. The question is does Zimbabwe need graduates. The system in Zimbabwe does not need too many graduates. Mugabe is an ineffective leader. But that is good for Ndebeles.

Khumalo..

I agree with you that on that the more the universities the better.But why do you say "the system in Zimbabwe does not need too many gradutes" I think somehow you are contradicting your self.Maybe i don't quite get you,please elucidate the point you trying to get across.

obviously, the more the universities the better. if people are better educated, even their starndard of living improves, they can also compete for jobs even at an international level. i last heard about quality of graduates a long time ago and i dont think it matters an more now, a degree is now like a minimum for everyone. look at these views as well http://bulawayo1872.com/ipw-web/bulletin/bb/viewtopic.php?t=1344 .

I can not see the contradiction. Mbulwa has answered for me. Why are graduates deserting Zimbabwe. Do you not rather think that it is the sytem in Zimbabwe contradicting itself. People graduate and they can not work. But the more people educated, the more they can look after themselves.

Yours
Bheku

There needs to be a balance. Some other sectors need growth too. What about apprentice ships and areas that cater for thoae who are not so academically bright.

The over subscription of universities will be superficial if it only serves to preoccupy the youth by delaying the inevitable situation of unemployment. However, it could be beneficial if robust courses are taught so that those leaving could themselves use their education to start up employment institutions and for that they need government help.

Universities create opoortunities, here is one I came across.

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Systems Engineer

A vacancy has arisen in the Information & Communication Technology Department. The successful candidate will be responsible for providing leadership in all the projects related to Software Systems in the University. The incumbent will report to the Director of the ICT Department.

Duties

1. Development/recommendation of software solutions for the University and following of software development best practices to ensure compliance with the University requirements
2. Development of project plans and carrying out of project management
3. Participating in team reviews to communicate and validate decisions
4. Training of users on the systems installed and the new systems
5. Software users support - eg Pastel, MS-Office, Suite, Results System
6. Development and implementation of security plans for the software systems in the University
7. Working with the web designer in the ongoing Africa University web-site project
8. Advising the University administration on all software-related issues – keeping track of licensing issues, antivirus issues, etc
9. Supporting the online-learning project at Africa University
10. Working with and supervising programmers, software technicians, students on attachment and laboratory monitors in the Department
11. Performing any other duties assigned by the Director of the ICT Department

Requirements

* Must have a good degree in Computer Science/Information Systems with at least 5 years relevant working experience in the information technology field
* Documented knowledge of more than one programming language – eg Visual Basic, C++, Java, Perl, etc
* Working knowledge of HTML and other web design technologies
* Experience of working in a networked environment
* Experience with platforms such as Linux, Sun Solaris and Windows 2000
* Knowledge of database management software such as MS-Access, Oracle and SQL
* Membership of the Computer Society of Zimbabwe, and certifications such as MCSD, MCSE, etc will be an added advantage

Conditions of Service

* Competitive remuneration with benefit allowance, pension and medical aid schemes
* An opportunity to be part of a progressive Department implementing various cutting edge ICT projects in the University
* Opportunity to teach at the Africa University Information Technology Training Centre (AU ITTC) for additional remuneration and opportunities for further training in IT certification programs
* Annual leave days

Applications Deadline An application letter, accompanied by certified copies of certificates and a comprehensive curriculum vitae (with the names, addresses and telephone numbers of three referees) should be forwarded to:

Assistant Registrar – Personnel and Administration
Africa University
P O Box 1320
Mutare
Zimbabwe

Tel: [263 20] 60075/60026
Fax: [263 20] 61785/66783
E-mail: arpa@africau.ac.zw or arpa@mutare.mweb.co.zw.
and must be received at the above office by 19 April 2004.

Khumalo

Can you please explain what exactly you mean by "Mugabe is an ineffective leader. But that is good for Ndebeles"(17-03-2004).What exactly are you trying to say.

We all know that Mugabe is an ineffective leader but now do we as the ndebeles benefit from this?Have the Ndebeles not suffered enough from the Mugabe regime due to his ineffectiveness?Then you go on to say such is good for Ndebeles.

We leave Zimbabwe educated. Remember that if Mugabe did not kill those3 white farmers by mistake, an uncontrolable mob, Ndebeles would be stuck in Zimbabwe as second class citizens. However, now we can leave with our knowledge because he is a fool. If he were not a fool we would be stuck there as second class citizens forever. You get it I hope.

Khumalo - ngiyakuzwa mfo,bengithi we are in diffrent boats but kukhanya ngathi sihamba sonke ngalolu udaba lemfundo.

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