PROCEEDINGS OF THE NECTAR/CHRIS/IMHERZ WORKSHOP HELD AT HARARE HOLIDAY INN 3RD - 5TH OF FEBRUARY 2011

Abstract

Prof Hakim started the workshop by welcoming the guests and thanked them for being punctual and then handed over to the Chair of the morning session Prof Chidzonga who formally welcomed the guests to the workshop making special mention of the guests from UK, USA and South Africa before handing over to the Vice Chancellor, Prof Nyagura to give the Official Opening Speech. Opening Speech – Prof L. Nyagura Prof Nyagura welcomed all our guests, especially mentioning the visitors from UK, USA and South Africa. He said that the NCI initiative is extremely important to the University of Zimbabwe. As the oldest University in the country UZ is expected to provide leadership to the other universities. This leadership includes ensuring the provision of the highest quality of education in the country. In the last 5 years, UZ has gone through a very difficult time with many challenges including the exodus of many member of faculty. With the turnaround of the economy and politics the institution is poised to regain its lofty international standing. Every effort should be made to regain the status UZ has enjoyed in the past. Faculty members trained at UZ are practicing in the US, UK, SA, which in itself is a sign of the good quality of the products of this University. With this award UZ can work towards the restoration and improvement of that record. Since knowledge is now propagated almost instantly over the internet, partners can be physically apart but can share information seamlessly. Nonetheless, personal interactions are important and he urged all participants to get as much out of this workshop as possible.