By Munacho Gwamanda-The government has approved a proposal by the Brethren in Christ Church (BICC) to establish the University of Matopo, adding yet another institution to Zimbabwe’s growing list of universities.
The Higher Education Quality Assurance Committee (HEQAC) of the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education (ZIMCHE) granted the church permission to proceed with the project.
BICC, which currently runs several mission schools, including Matopo High School, Mtshabezi High School, and Wanezi High School, will now expand its footprint into tertiary education.
With this development, Matabeleland South Province will see its number of universities rise to three, joining Solusi University and Gwanda State University.
In a letter addressed to Professor Henry Sibanda, chairperson of the University of Matopo Trust (UMT), ZIMCHE Chief Executive Officer Professor Kuzvinetsa Dzvimbo confirmed that the provisional registration for the university is valid from January 2025 to January 2026.
“We are pleased to inform you that the application by the proposed University of Matopo for registration was approved by HEQAC of ZIMCHE. The proposed University of Matopo is hereby granted provisional registration, which shall be valid for 12 months from January 10, 2025, to January 11, 2026.”
The provisional registration allows the institution to develop physical facilities, assemble academic resources, and submit academic programs for ZIMCHE’s consideration and approval.
However, Prof. Dzvimbo emphasised that the university cannot begin recruiting students until it receives further approval.
Before the provisional registration expires, the University of Matopo must apply for full accreditation by submitting the required documents and paying the prescribed fees.
The establishment of the University of Matopo comes at a time when Zimbabwe’s higher education sector is rapidly expanding.
The country now has more than 20 universities, including state-owned and private institutions.
Public universities include the University of Zimbabwe, Midlands State University, and the National University of Science and Technology (NUST), among others.
Despite the growth in the number of universities, the sector faces severe challenges, particularly concerning the welfare of lecturers.
While new universities continue to emerge, lecturers at existing institutions are struggling under worsening economic conditions.
Many academics are forced to supplement their incomes through side businesses or leave for better-paying jobs abroad.
The ongoing brain drain has led to shortages of qualified personnel in critical areas, affecting the quality of education.
University staff have repeatedly protested over poor salaries, with some earning wages far below the cost of living.
In recent years, some institutions have struggled to pay salaries on time, leaving lecturers demoralized.
Higher education stakeholders have questioned whether Zimbabwe’s focus on expanding universities is sustainable, given the financial struggles facing existing institutions.
Critics argue that resources should be directed toward improving the quality of education, retaining qualified lecturers, and addressing infrastructure shortages before new universities are established.