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Patrick Chitumba, Midlands Bureau Chief

MIDLANDS State University (MSU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Institute of Sustainable Project Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation (ISPPME) to monitor quality in line with Vision 2030.

As part of the agreement, MSU will provide oversight on ISPPME certificate, diploma and postgraduate programmes’ quality-related issues in compliance with the Zimbabwe Council of Higher Education (Zimche) and other relevant bodies.

ISPPME is a registered online and distance learning institute with an objective to promote excellence and sustainability in professional project management, training, monitoring, and evaluation

Speaking during the signing ceremony, MSU acting Pro Vice Chancellor Academic Affairs, Professor Alois Chiromo said the university is confident and optimistic that the ISPPME shares the same vision and ethos with MSU.

“We are signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Institute of Sustainable Project Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation (ISPPME). The quality assurance issues are paramount in the provision of an education that meets the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development quality standards,” he said.

ISPPME Principal, Mrs Lydia Magutsa said that the MoU marked the beginning of a journey and consolidation of a true association between her institution and a reputable University in the production of nationally acclaimed and internationally proclaimed graduates.

“The MoU with MSU will ensure that we produce quality graduates who can play a role through coming up with products and programmes that assist the country attain Vision 2030 driven by the Second Republic,” she said.

 Mrs Magutsa said quality assurance issues are paramount in the provision of an education that meets the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development quality standards.

“The MoU signed between MSU and ISPPME marks the beginning of a journey and consolidation of a true associateship between ISPPME and a reputable university in production of nationally acclaimed and internationally proclaimed graduates.

“The Institute promotes professionalism by establishing appropriate qualifications, defining codes of conduct, promoting research, Increasing knowledge of total quality management for projects as well as training management to produce sustainable projects that long live and assist the economy,” she said.

Mrs Magutsa said the institute offers educational programmes of preparatory professional education by correspondence, in the fields of project management, monitoring and evaluation.

“ISPPME seeks to promote GoDigital innovation that is to develop, implement and adapt new technology in order to stay competitive and improve knowledge of skill in professional project management and use of sustainable tools through online and distance learning Google Classroom, Google Meet and Learning Management System. Sustainable tools include project risk assessment, life-cycle assessment, benefit-cost analysis, sustainability impact assessment, environmental justice tools, and present and future scenario tools among others. The Online Examination platform is powered by World Assessment Council (WAC) and is the first institute in Zimbabwe and Southern Africa to partner with WAC,” she said.

Ms Magutsa said ISPPME enables students to produce sustainable projects that assist the economy.

She said the institute provides the shared blueprint for amity and prosperity for people now and in the future through pursuing the 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015.

“The programmes we offer also play a crucial role towards realisation of Zimbabwe’s 2030 vision of becoming an upper middle-income economy. The institute recognises the end of poverty and other deprivations through strategies that reduce inequality and spur economic growth.

“ISPPME is built on the vision that sustainable project planning, monitoring, and evaluation serve as a keystone in developing society and building better futures for all. ISPPME will be recognised internationally as a premier institute providing excellence in Digital education, consultancy, project sustainability, workforce training, partnerships and economic development, in a rapidly advancing world using technology to broaden and support learning opportunities,” she said.

Speaking on the sidelines of the signing ceremony, acting executive Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities Dr Viola Matunhu said the University’s emphasis on quality assurance is one of the pillars of its integrity and competitiveness.

“The faculty is ready to begin the journey with ISPPME in pursuit of quality education, a prerequisite in 21st-century learning,” she said.