By Mthulisi Nxumalo

The government has urged the graduates to use their newly acquired skills to create jobs, develop businesses, and provide practical solutions to the challenges facing their communities.

Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Permanent Secretary Dr. Edgar Seenza made this call, representing the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Owen Ncube, during the institution’s graduation ceremony held in Gweru on Thursday.

The graduation was conducted under the theme “3i Framework (Integrate, Innovate, and Industrialize): Embracing Education 5.0 for Economic Growth.” Seenza emphasized that the theme highlights the crucial role of skills development in driving economic growth.

He congratulated the 57 graduates on successfully completing their studies, describing graduation as an important milestone in their career development.

Dr Seenza stated that institutions like the Midlands School of Business and Engineering play a critical role in equipping young people with practical skills that meet the needs of both industry and communities.

He urged participants to ensure that the 3i Framework of integrating, innovating, and industrializing extends beyond a graduation theme and translates into practical economic activities.

“We must integrate education with industry, communities, government, and the productive sectors of the economy. Our educational institutions should produce graduates whose skills are aligned with the needs of the industries and communities they serve,” he said.

Dr Seenza challenged the graduates to embrace innovation by developing locally driven solutions to the problems affecting their communities and the economy.

He asserted that innovation should lead to practical products, services, and solutions instead of being confined to academic research.

“We must encourage students and graduates to develop home-grown solutions to the challenges facing our communities and economy. Innovation should transform knowledge into practical solutions, products, and services,” he remarked.

He also urged graduates to take the next step by turning their innovations and research into businesses and industries that can create employment opportunities.

“We must also focus on industrialization by ensuring that innovations and research findings evolve into productive enterprises, businesses, and employment opportunities,” he stated.

Dr Seenza underscored the importance of this approach, especially as young people are encouraged to engage more actively in economic development through entrepreneurship and skills-based initiatives.

He advised youths across Midlands Province to take advantage of the training opportunities available at the institution, which offers programs in Civil Engineering, Accounting, Project Management, Business, and Professional Courses.

According to Seenza, the institution’s practical training approach is designed to expose students to real-world challenges and equip them with skills they can apply beyond the classroom.
He highlighted that the school’s Production-Based Learning Model, which involves students learning by creating tangible products and services, is particularly beneficial in preparing graduates for the job market’s demands.

“The school offers practical, industry-relevant training that gets students ready for the challenges of the job market,” he concluded.

The doctor emphasized the link between skills development and the province’s broader economic development agenda, noting that the devolution and decentralization program gives communities and businesses the opportunity to use local resources and leverage their comparative advantages.

He highlighted the important role that graduates play in contributing to the growth of provincial and district economies.

“I therefore welcome the 57 graduates to the Midlands Provincial Economic Development Matrix of job creators and providers,” Seenza stated.

This graduation ceremony comes as the province continues to prioritize skills development, innovation, and strengthening the connections between training institutions and industry.

For the graduates, the event marks the completion of their formal education and the beginning of a new phase in which they are expected to apply their knowledge and skills in the workplace, through entrepreneurship, and in community development.

The government is increasingly encouraging tertiary institutions to produce graduates who can address practical economic needs. Institutions are expected to complement academic learning with research, innovation, and hands-on training.

Therefore, the graduation at the Midlands School of Business and Engineering highlighted the growing emphasis on creating graduates who can go beyond simply seeking employment to actively creating opportunities for themselves and others.