STUDENT leaders have been challenged to collaborate closely with the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) management in fostering an environment where academic excellence, innovation and responsibility thrive.
Speaking at the Student Leadership Training retreat, Vice-Chancellor Prof Mqhele E. Dlodlo emphasized that student leaders are central to the governance of the institution.
“Today marks the beginning of a journey where you step into leadership not just as representatives of your peers, but as co-custodians of the values and vision of NUST,” he said.
Prof Dlodlo highlighted the retreat’s theme — “Building effective student governance through communication, collaboration and accountability: Advancing academic purpose in partnership with University Administration” — as a roadmap for meaningful leadership.
He stressed that effective governance rests on open communication, genuine collaboration and unwavering accountability.
NUST’s vision, he noted, is to be a premier institution of science, technology, and innovation recognised globally for excellence. To achieve this, student leaders were urged to embody the university’s core values of integrity, accountability, teamwork, excellence, sustainability and inclusivity.
“As student leaders, you are ambassadors of these values. Upholding them is not optional, but essential. When you embody integrity, accountability, excellence, and inclusivity, you strengthen the very foundation of our institution,” Prof. Dlodlo said.
He reminded students that the global reputation of a university directly impacts the value of its degrees, opening doors for graduates worldwide. Protecting and strengthening NUST’s standing, he added, is both an institutional and personal responsibility.
Prof Dlodlo further challenged student leaders to leave a lasting legacy by strengthening the NUST brand through academic excellence, innovation, community service, and cultural exchange.
He also urged vigilance against drugs, substance abuse and harassment, reiterating the university’s zero-tolerance policy.
“Leadership is not about titles, but about impact. Your actions today will echo for generations,” he said.
The two-day training, organised by the Division of Student Affairs under Dean of Students, Mr Charlie Ncube, brought together the newly elected Student Representative Council (SRC), leaders of student clubs and innovators.
Senior university officials, including Registrar Mr Biggy Ngwenya, Bursar, Mr Stanford Ndlovu, Librarian, Mrs Cynthia Ncube, and representatives of deans, directors and managers served as facilitators.
The retreat remains a key fixture on NUST’s calendar, contributing to the institution’s growing recognition nationally, regionally, and globally. – NUST News Hub.
