Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences (MSUAS) has once again demonstrated academic excellence after emerging as the Second Runner-Up at the Students and Youth Working on Reproductive Health Action Team (SAYWHAT) National Universities Quiz Challenge, held in Harare.

The prestigious competition brought together 17 universities from across Zimbabwe, providing a platform for students to showcase their knowledge of national development policies, reproductive health, youth empowerment, and global development frameworks.

MSUAS was represented by Nathan Ndlovu, a Chemical and Processing Engineering student, and Nonhlanhla Rumbidzai Ndebele, a Psychology student, whose impressive performance earned the University the second runners-up position.

The competition celebrated academic excellence while encouraging university students to become informed leaders, innovators, and solution providers capable of contributing meaningfully to Zimbabwe’s national development agenda.

Whilst speaking during the prize-giving ceremony, the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Honourable Tino Machakaire, challenged young people to harness their knowledge, creativity, and innovation to drive the country’s socio-economic transformation.

He emphasised that Zimbabwe’s greatest asset lies in its educated and innovative youth, urging students to seize the opportunities created through Government programmes and policies.

The Minister described the annual quiz challenge as a “leadership laboratory” that nurtures future leaders, entrepreneurs, scientists, policymakers, and innovators, while also commending participants for their understanding of the National Multisectoral Drug and Substance Abuse Plan.

The competition, organised by SAYWHAT in partnership with UNESCO and the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, continues to expose university students to key national development strategies and global policy frameworks, equipping them to contribute effectively beyond the classroom.

Other universities that participated in the competition were Bindura University of Science Education, Catholic University of Zimbabwe, Chinhoyi University of Technology, Great Zimbabwe University, Gwanda State University, Harare Institute of Technology, Lupane State University, Marondera University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Midlands State University, Reformed Church University, Women’s University in Africa, Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University, Zimbabwe Open University and Arrupe Jesuit University.

MSUAS congratulates Nathan Ndlovu and Nonhlanhla Rumbidzai Ndebele for their remarkable achievement and for representing the University with distinction on the national stage.

Their success reflects the University’s commitment to academic excellence, critical thinking, and producing graduates who are equipped to address national and global challenges.