Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
The National University of Science and Technology (NUST) this week witnessed the official handover of its newly refurbished campus clinic, marking a significant milestone in Zimbabwe’s commitment to student health and wellbeing under the “Our Rights, Our Lives, Our Future” also known as the O3 PLUS Programme.x
Led by the Ministry of Health and Child Care in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Works and the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science, Innovation and Technology Development, with technical and financial support from UNESCO, the handover forms part of a nationwide initiative to upgrade 12 health facilities across higher education institutions.
NUST’s clinic, located at its Bulawayo campus, is among eight facilities being handed over this week following final inspections by a nine-member inter-ministerial technical team. The team, comprising engineers, health planners, and education specialists, is tasked with verifying that all refurbishment work meets safety, quality, and functional standards before issuing Certificates of Completion.
A Strategic Investment in Student Wellbeing
Launched in 2022, the O3 PLUS Programme aims to strengthen health systems within tertiary institutions, ensuring students have access to safe, functional, and youth-friendly services. The initiative aligns with Zimbabwe’s broader goals under Vision 2030 and Heritage-Based Education 5.0, which emphasise holistic development and institutional resilience.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, the Associate National Project Officer from UNESCO, Ruvarashe Matambo expressed pride at the successful inter-governmental collaborations.
“We are delighted to hand over these projects to NUST and are confident that they will contribute to enhancing student health and well- being.” She said
“This milestone reflects the strength of collaboration and partnership, and we are proud to have worked alongside NUST to make the vision of the O3 Plus project a reality.” She added.
Sister Zulu, the Senior nursing sister at the NUST Students’ Clinic, expressed heartfelt appreciation for the improvements;
“We would want to thank UNESCO for the facility upgrade which is of great benefit to the wellness of our students. This has greatly improved our resources.”
She outlined the various improvements that the project brought including, the installation of a solar system for electricity backup, the erection of cupboards in the treatment room, securing & electrification of the students’ waiting shed, securing of the Ambulance parking garage, putting up of door and facility signage, solar geysers and the installation of a 5000L Jojo tank.
Stacy Majuru, NUST Student Representative Council (SRC) President, welcomed the development while noting its future potential:
“The development is commendable and it makes the clinic more efficient and a go-to place for students without the previous constraints in the way.” She said.
She expressed that as the new semester begins in the coming week, she is hopeful of more students getting a chance to fully utilise the new facilities and express their views on the upgrades.
The inspection and handover programme spans five days, having started on the 25th of August and set to conclude today the 29th of August 2025. The handover will cover institutions in Bulawayo, Masvingo, and Manicaland. Alongside NUST, facilities at Westgate Industrial Training College, Great Zimbabwe University (Mashava, Mucheke, and Law School campuses), Masvingo Polytechnic, Mutare Polytechnic, and Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences were being formally transferred to their respective institutions.
Each site visit has involved a thorough inspection, documentation of completed work, and ceremonial handover, reinforcing transparency and accountability in public infrastructure development.
Moving forward, the inter-ministerial team will compile a comprehensive report detailing the inspection outcomes and facility conditions. This documentation will inform future planning, sustainability strategies, and potential scale-up of the programme.