Professor Lwazi Sibanda has become the first woman to be appointed Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Academic Affairs at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST), marking a historic milestone in the institution’s leadership.
Her appointment, announced on 6 November 2026, takes effect from 4 November and will run for five years until 31 October 2031. She takes over from Prof Yogi Naik.
The appointment was confirmed in a communication by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Prof Fanuel Tagwira, on behalf of Minister Dr Frederick Shava.
NUST described the appointment as “a significant moment in NUST’s institutional journey” and a reflection of “the growing recognition of women’s leadership and contribution to higher education, research and innovation.”
In her new role, Prof Sibanda will provide strategic leadership in advancing the university’s research, innovation and academic programmes, with particular emphasis on improving institutional efficiency and the quality of teaching and learning.
According to NUST, her mandate includes “strengthening institutional efficiency through the development and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)”, particularly in administrative processes supporting teaching, learning, research and innovation.
She will also facilitate “the adoption and effective utilisation of smart learning platforms” and strengthen partnerships with industry and other stakeholders to improve the university’s research and academic output.
Prof Sibanda brings more than 15 years of experience at NUST, having joined the institution in June 2011 as a lecturer in the then Department of Technical Teacher Education.
Before her appointment, she served as Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology Education, a position she held from March 2021. She also served as Acting Chairperson of the Department of Mathematics and Technology Education between 2018 and 2020.
She played a key role in establishing the Faculty of Science and Technology Education in 2014, contributing to the development of its departments, academic programmes and courses.
Prof Sibanda 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.
Her professional experience extends beyond NUST, including academic quality assurance, programme assessment and teacher education. She has served as an external examiner for doctoral theses at universities in Zimbabwe and South Africa.
She has also participated in institutional assessments as a member of the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education (ZIMCHE) Institutional Audit Team, undertaking team leadership responsibilities during assessments at seven universities.
Her contribution to academia has earned her several recognitions, including the Women Leading Zimbabwe Award for Outstanding Woman in Academia and Education.
NUST said her 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.”
The university also acknowledged the outgoing Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Prof Yogi Naik, for his “dedicated service, leadership and contribution to the University during his tenure.”
Prof Sibanda’s appointment places a woman in the institution’s top academic leadership for the first time, as NUST seeks to strengthen its research capacity, expand innovation and deepen partnerships with industry.
Matebeleland Pulse
