ZOU Records Strong Interest at 2026 NASH Conference
Victoria Falls, 16 July 2026 – Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) recorded strong interest from prospective students during the National Association of Secondary Heads (NASH) Annual Conference held at Elephant Hills Hotel in Victoria Falls, from 11–15 July 2026 further reinforcing its position as a leading provider of flexible, accessible, and quality higher education in Zimbabwe.
The conference, which brought together secondary school heads, senior officials from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Provincial Education Directors, development partners, and other key education stakeholders, provided ZOU with an excellent platform to showcase its diverse academic programmes, strengthen stakeholder relationships, and promote its Open and Distance Flexible Learning (ODFL) model.
Mrs. S. Moyo – Director, Corporation Communications & Marketing Addressing 2026 NASH delegates
Throughout the conference, delegates visited the University’s exhibition stand to learn more about its undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, and professional development programmes, including emerging courses in Artificial Intelligence (AI). The high level of interest in postgraduate programmes reflected the growing demand among education professionals for advanced qualifications and continuous professional development. Delegates also expressed considerable interest in Artificial Intelligence and other emerging fields, highlighting the increasing importance of digital competencies within the education sector.
Beyond student recruitment, the conference provided valuable opportunities for ZOU to engage with senior Ministry officials, Provincial Education Directors, and other strategic stakeholders. These interactions enhanced the University’s visibility and created opportunities for future collaboration in professional development, capacity building, and institutional partnerships.
The event also enabled the University to benchmark its marketing initiatives against those of other higher education institutions. Despite increasing competition, ZOU’s nationwide regional campus network, flexible ODeL delivery model, and comprehensive academic programme portfolio remain key competitive advantages that continue to distinguish the University within Zimbabwe’s higher education landscape.
Professor T. Tshabalala – Dean, Faculty of Education giving academic advisory services to the 2026 NASH delegates
ZOU’s successful participation at the NASH Conference further strengthened its reputation as a trusted institution committed to expanding access to quality higher education, promoting lifelong learning, and contributing to national development through excellence in teaching, research, innovation, and community engagement.
