ZOU and KNU Benchmarking Visit Highlights Quality, Tech, and Student Support on Day 3
Delegates from Kwame Nkrumah University (KNU) and Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) gather during Day 3 of their benchmarking visit in Harare.
Behind every screen, module, and distance learning portal lies a human story, a student striving for a better life across vast distances. On Tuesday, 18 August 2026, the benchmarking visit between Kwame Nkrumah University (KNU) and Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) reached its emotional and intellectual core as Day 3 turned its focus directly to the true engines of open learning: quality, technology, and compassionate student support.
Presenters demonstrate digital library systems and modern instructional design platforms aimed at enhancing open and distance learning.
ZOU’s Director of Quality Assurance, Mr. Benson Gabi, opened the sessions by emphasizing student feedback as the cornerstone of academic excellence. Delegations then explored modern instructional design and digital platforms with presentations by Mr. D. Satumba (Manager, Materials Development Unit), Mr. R. Chitiga (Instructional Technologist), and Mr. Muramba (representing the ICT Director), followed by a demonstration of Library and Information Systems by Deputy Librarian Mr. E. Madziwo.
Empowering distance learners: Dean of Students, Ms. T. Chivasa, details integrated support systems designed to help students navigate work, family, and higher education.
The afternoon focused on the human side of distance education, with Ms. T. Chivasa (Dean of Students), Mr. A. Dzobo (Deputy Registrar, Academic Registry), and the ICT team presenting integrated Student Support Services designed to assist distance learners balancing work, family, and studies. The program concluded with strategic insights on priority program areas and credit transfers led by Deans’ Representative Prof. S. Nyota. The day highlighted that digital transformation in higher education relies as much on empathy and personalized support as it does on technological infrastructure.
Day 3 Gallery
