The ceremony celebrated graduates who completed programmes in Child Protection and Support, Systemic Counseling, Educational Foundations, Security Management, Digital Skills Licence and Diploma in Security and Risk Management.
The event brought together graduates from different professions and backgrounds, highlighting the Centre’s role in providing flexible learning opportunities for working professionals seeking to advance their careers while balancing family and work commitments.
Speaking during the ceremony, one of the graduates, Neid Donatella Siziba, described the day as a celebration of resilience, determination and lifelong learning.
"This achievement reminds us that with hard work and perseverance we can overcome challenges and accomplish our goals. It proves that we can tackle difficult challenges and see them through to the end," Siziba said.
"The world is waiting for our skills, our fresh perspectives and our drive to make a difference," she added.
Siziba also encouraged those who believe age limits educational opportunities.
"To those among us who may feel that age is a barrier, especially our colleagues who are over 50, let this day be a reminder that it is never too late to learn. Education has no age limit," she said.
Educational Foundations class representative Angelina Maphosa reflected on a journey that began in March 2025. She said students arrived from different schools, communities and workplaces, but were united by a shared belief that education could transform lives.
"When we first walked through the doors of NUST many of us were strangers to one another. We came from different schools, different communities and different jobs. But what united us was a belief that education can be done differently," she said.
Representing the Systemic Counseling programme, Buhle Ncube spoke on the challenges of studying as an adult.
"The journey has not been easy. We came as adults responsible for various duties. We juggled work, assignments, family and late night studies," Ncube said.
Security and Risk Management graduates said the diploma had already begun transforming their workplaces. Many have implemented improved security protocols, introduced formal risk registers and taken on greater responsibilities because of their enhanced knowledge and confidence.
Throughout the ceremony, graduates paid tribute to lecturers, facilitators and their families for their unwavering support.
"Our lecturers didn't just teach us theory they showed us how to see our workplaces differently. They answered emails at midnight, explained concepts until we understood and pushed us when we wanted to give up," Maphosa said.
Centre for Continuing Education Director Peeps Gonde also thanked the graduates for their perseverance and hard work. He encouraged them to inspire others to pursue further studies.
The diploma programmes offered by the Centre for Continuing Education reflect NUST’s commitment to Education 5.0. The model focuses on producing graduates equipped with practical, industry-relevant skills that drive innovation, solve societal challenges and contribute to national development.
As graduates return to their communities and workplaces, they carry not only recognised qualifications but also the knowledge, leadership and renewed purpose to create meaningful impact in their respective fields. Visit the CCE webpage on our website on www.nust.ac.zw to book your next short course.
