About Us
The Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) is a unique institution of higher learning offering Open and Distance Learning. It started off in 1993 as the Centre for distance Education under the University of Zimbabwe and has since grown into a fully fledged university.
ZOU's mission is to empower people through lifelong learning thereby enabling them to realise their full potential in an affordable and flexible manner while executing their endeavours. In order to sufficiently cater for students throughout Zimbabwe, ZOU has a highly decentralised structure with 10 Regional Centres in all the provinces. ZOU has graduated nearly 21 000 students in the last six years and our graduates are found in every sector of the economy.
The History of the ZOU
ZOU started off as the Centre for Distance Education established in 1993 by the University of Zimbabwe, in the Department of Education Administration. In 1996, the Centre became the University College Distance Education headed by Professor Graham Hill. In 1999, through an Act of Parliament, the University College became a fully fledged university headed by Professor Peter Dzvimbo.
Dr primrose Kurasha made history by becoming the first female Vice Chancellor in Zimbabwe, heading the Zimbabwe Open University. In 1993, the University was only offering one programme, the Bachelor of Education for 652 students. Today ZOU has more than 30 degree programmes.
Vision
To become a World Class Open and Distance Learning University.
Mission
The Zimbabwe Open University exists to empower people through life long learning thereby enabling them to realise their full potential in an affordable and flexible manner while executing their endeavours.
