Prof Sibanda appointed first female Pro-Vice-Chancellor

… ushering in a new chapter of leadership in research, innovation and academic affairs

6 November 2026

THE National University of Science and Technology (NUST) is proud to announce a historic milestone following the appointment of Professor Lwazi Sibanda, as Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Academic Affairs, making her the first woman to hold this prestigious position in the University’s history.

Her appointment marks a significant moment in NUST’s institutional journey and stands as a testament to the growing recognition of women’s leadership and contribution to higher education, research and innovation.

In a communication confirming the appointment, the Permanent Secretary, Prof Fanuel Tagwira, on behalf of the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Hon. Dr F.M. Shava, announced that Prof Sibanda’s appointment would run for five years, from 4 November 2026 to 31 October 2031.

She takes over from Prof Yogi Naik.

In her new capacity, Prof Sibanda will provide strategic leadership in advancing the University’s research and academic agenda, with particular emphasis on strengthening institutional efficiency, driving innovation and enhancing the quality of teaching and learning.

According to Prof Tagwira, her mandate will include spearheading the implementation of outstanding and planned institutional projects; strengthening institutional efficiency through the development and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), particularly in administrative processes that support teaching and learning, research and innovation; and facilitating the adoption and effective utilisation of smart learning platforms.

She will also be expected to cultivate and strengthen strategic partnerships with industry and other stakeholders to enhance NUST’s research, innovation and academic output.

Her responsibilities will further extend to contributing to the ongoing transformation and reconfiguration of Zimbabwe’s higher and tertiary education sector in alignment with the country’s Vision 2030 aspirations.

A distinguished academic and accomplished institutional leader, Prof Sibanda brings to her new portfolio a wealth of academic experience, institutional knowledge and leadership expertise, having served NUST in various capacities for more than 15 years.

Before her appointment, she was the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology Education, a position she held from March 2021.

Her leadership journey at NUST also includes serving as Acting Chairperson of the Department of Mathematics and Technology Education from 2018 to 2020.

She joined NUST in June 2011 as a Lecturer in the then Department of Technical Teacher Education, where she played an instrumental role in the development and establishment of the Faculty of Science and Technology Education in 2014.

Her contribution extended to the formation of its departments, academic programmes and courses, helping lay the foundation for the Faculty’s growth and development.

Prof Sibanda is a Full Professor and holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education from the University of Fort Hare in South Africa, a Master of Education degree from Midlands State University and a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Zimbabwe, among other qualifications.

Beyond her institutional responsibilities, she has established a strong professional footprint in the higher and tertiary education sector, contributing to academic quality assurance, programme assessment and the development of teacher education.

She serves as an external examiner for doctoral theses at various universities in Zimbabwe and South Africa.

She is also engaged by the University of Zimbabwe as Chief External Examiner for Teachers' Colleges, as well as by the Zimbabwe Open University and Lupane State University as an external examiner for their respective Teacher Education Departments.

Her expertise has also seen her serve as a member of the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education (ZIMCHE) Institutional Audit Team, where she has undertaken Team Leader responsibilities during institutional assessments at seven universities.

Prof Sibanda is equally committed to advancing women's participation in academia and strengthening the contribution of women researchers. She is a member of NUST Women Academics Researchers and serves as the University's Institutional Focal Person for the UNESCO Capacity-Building Programme for Teacher Educators on Education for Sustainable Development (CAP-ESD).

A well-published scholar and journal reviewer, she has earned recognition for her contribution to academic scholarship, research and professional development.

Her achievements have been acknowledged through several awards and distinctions, including the Women Leading Zimbabwe Award for Outstanding Woman in Academia and Education. She also received a certificate from UNESCO, in collaboration with Rhodes University, in recognition of her leadership and practice in Education for Sustainable Development in Teacher Education.

Other accolades include membership of the International Institute of Chartered Educational Practitioners and several certificates of excellence for her contribution to research review activities.

As NUST embarks on this new chapter, Prof Sibanda’s appointment comes at an important time when universities are increasingly expected to strengthen their research capabilities, deepen industry partnerships, accelerate innovation and translate academic knowledge into tangible solutions that respond to national and global development challenges.

Her extensive institutional experience, academic credentials and understanding of the University's strategic direction position her to contribute to the advancement of NUST's research, innovation and academic mandate.

On behalf of the NUST Council Chairperson, Prof Lindiwe Majele Sibanda; the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Mqhele E. Dlodlo; Council, Management, staff, students and alumni, we extend our warmest congratulations to Prof Lwazi Sibanda on this historic and well-deserved appointment.

We wish her every success as she assumes this important responsibility and look forward to her contribution towards strengthening NUST’s standing as a leading centre of excellence in teaching, research, innovation and knowledge production.

As we celebrate this milestone, we also extend our sincere appreciation to the outgoing Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Prof Yogi Naik, for his dedicated service, leadership and contribution to the University during his tenure.

Congratulations, Prof Sibanda! Your appointment is a historic milestone for NUST and an inspiring moment for women in academia and leadership.

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