The Cultural Counsellor of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Zimbabwe was in Gweru, some 276 km from Harare, the capital city of Zimbabwe, Tuesday, 30 July 2025, where held a ground breaking meeting with the university’s Pro Vice Chancellor: Research Innovation and Industrialisation, Professor Grace Mugumbate, who was standing in for the university’s vice Chancellor, Professor Victor Ngonidzashe Muzvidziwa. In attendance were the University’s Registrar, Mr Tinashe Zishiri, Professor Laureen Chikoko, the Executive Director, International and Alumni Relations, Prof Jabangwe, the Executive dean in the Faculty of Humanities, Prof. Hazel Ngoshi, an Assistant to the University’s Vice Chancellor, Mr Mafa Kwanisai Mafa, the Acting Dean for Students Affairs and the University’s Marketing and Communications Manager, Mr Kuda Bhowa. 

In his introductory remarks before the panel, Mr Bakhtiyar presented a class analysis of the Iranian Higher educational system as well as the achievements that Iran has scored in that area. He noted that Iran had managed to reach assailable levels of excellency in its technology and innovation driven education system as well as positioning the country on the global arena of technologically developed countries despite the sanctions that were imposed by America. He said Iran had managed to have such a high score rate because it had invested a lot in its youth who further embraced and took the technology and innovation narrative further by developing a highly developed and world acclaimed university education system premised on research, innovation and development. Mr Bakhtiyar noted with pride that Iran now boasts of One Thousand State Universities and technologically advanced Technikons. He said investments and developments in the Iranian higher education system has now made Iran to be a destination for most foreign students seeking globally acclaimed university qualifications in science driven enterprises. He said since the Islamic Republic of Iran and Zimbabwe enjoy very cordial and brotherly relations, both political, economic and cultural, it remained prudent upon the Midlands State university to tap into that relationship for the enhancement of beneficial relations with Iran. 

Mr Bakhtiyar noted that the university can only fully realise the full benefits of the excellent Zimbabwe Iran relations by entering into various Memorandums of Understanding with related Iranian institutions such as the world acclaimed University of Tehran, amongst others. He further noted that Iran is prepare to drive the new relationship with Midlands State University to new levels through facilitating the immediate signing of binding Memorandums of Understanding with identified Iranian Institutions. The MoUs will specifically focus on programs of action that can enhance the human capital skills base of Zimbabwe through scientific and technology transfer programs as well as to further cement further cultural exchange programs between the two countries. He said the Islamic Republic of Iran is also offering some fully funded scholarships to the Midlands State University to shore up its skills base in areas of technology and research. In response, Pro Vice Chancellor Chikoko welcomed the new cooperation trajectory enunciated by Mr Bakhtiyar. She said the university cherished the new prospects of collaborating with Iranian universities and other institutions related to higher education. She said the visit by Mr Bakhtiyar was meant to facilitate the university’s international engagement drive, as the engagement will result in the further development of the university’s education systems. She noted that the university’s collaboration with Iran should mostly focus on the development of cultural and medical aspects of the university teaching systems. She stressed that cooperation with Iran will bring immense benefits to the university and the country at large as Iran is a country that boast s of a very rich, deep and reputable higher educational system. Prof. said her university’s first priority would be to collaborate with Tehran University as they see great scope in partnering the greatest university in Iran.

 She gave a rundown of her university’s activities over the last Twenty-Five years, noting that the university has grown to be a national university with campuses offering various tailor-made programmes located in various towns and cities. The pro Vice Chancellor also said that her university stands to benefit from Iran’s participation at the university’s research and Innovation expo set for October this year.