NUST Caps 2,570 Graduates as Class of 2026 Enters the World

BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe — The National University of Science and Technology (NUST) has capped 2,570 graduates at its 32nd graduation ceremony held in Bulawayo on Thursday, 17 September 2026.

The graduation ceremony was held under the theme “Innovative Graduates, Industrial Futures”, reflecting the university’s focus on science, technology, innovation and skills development.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is Chancellor of NUST and Zimbabwe’s State universities, presided over the ceremony and conferred qualifications ranging from diplomas and undergraduate degrees to master’s and Doctor of Philosophy degrees.

Of the 2,570 graduates, 1,362 were male while 1,208 were female. The university reported that 68 percent of the graduates obtained qualifications in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields.

Five graduates received Doctor of Philosophy degrees, while 293 graduates attained First Class or Distinction results. The graduating class also included 212 students from NUST affiliate institutions and 19 international graduates from Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Mauritius and Zambia. Three graduates were awarded their qualifications posthumously.

The ceremony also highlighted the university’s growing student population. NUST Vice Chancellor Professor Mqhele Dlodlo said enrolment had increased from 11,432 students to 13,352, while female participation had risen from 46 percent to 47 percent. Female participation reached 52 percent in the August 2026 intake.

Professor Dlodlo also highlighted a number of research, innovation and industrialisation initiatives being pursued by the university. These include medicinal cannabis research, the NUST Agro Industrial Park in Bulilima, and research into geothermal energy in partnership with the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority.

According to the Vice Chancellor, NUST students have also received recognition for innovation during 2026. Engineering students emerged as overall champions at the Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers Awards, while other student innovations have received recognition nationally and internationally.

The university is also expanding its contribution to agriculture and industrial development through projects involving aquaculture, livestock production and high technology greenhouse farming at its Agro Industrial Park.

The 2026 graduation comes as NUST continues implementing its strategic priorities for teaching, research, innovation, community engagement and industrialisation. The university’s official website lists the 2026 graduation programme and related notices as part of its current academic activities.

For the 2,570 graduates, the ceremony marked the completion of an important stage of their academic journey and the beginning of their transition into professional, entrepreneurial, research and community roles.

Livezw congratulates the NUST Class of 2026 on their achievement.