University Of Matopo Moves Closer To Full Accreditation

The University of Matopo is still waiting for the green light from the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education (ZIMCHE) before it can enrol its first intake of students.

The institution, an initiative of the Brethren in Christ Church, was granted provisional approval subject to meeting a series of conditions within 12 months — a deadline that expired in January 2026.

Among the key requirements were the establishment of a governing council and the development of adequate physical infrastructure.

Speaking to the Chronicle at the weekend, the chairperson of the University of Matopo Trust, Professor Henry Sibanda, acknowledged that not all the benchmarks had been fully satisfied.

However, he said substantial progress had been made, and a comprehensive update had since been submitted to ZIMCHE for consideration. He said:

“We submitted an update to ZIMCHE outlining progress made against the guidelines provided.

“We have appointed a University Council with nine members to start with, and ZIMCHE allows up to 15 council members.”

Professor Sibanda said further members would be appointed to the governing council as the university broadened its academic scope.

Among the programmes proposed are a BSc (Hons) in Agriculture, a BSc (Hons) in Computer Science and Cyber Security, a BA (Hons) in Theology and Philosophy, a Postgraduate Diploma in Education, and a Master of Business Administration.

He added that the recommended principal officers were submitted to ZIMCHE in December 2025, alongside a proposed interim operational budget.

The university intends to operate across four campuses, Matopo, Mtshabezi, Wanezi and Bulawayo, each with a distinct academic focus.

Mtshabezi Campus is earmarked for the Faculties of Theology and Philosophy, Education, and Health Sciences/Medicine.

Wanezi will host Agriculture, as well as Mining and Engineering. The main campus at Matopo is set to accommodate Commerce, Science, Law and Graduate Studies.

Meanwhile, the Bulawayo campus, which will operate through the Theological College of Zimbabwe (TCZ), is expected to run parallel programmes, including evening and weekend classes where feasible.

Professor Sibanda said an application to extend the university’s provisional charter was submitted to ZIMCHE in December 2025, after four outstanding conditions remained unmet when the charter expired in January 2026.