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Nqobile Tshili, Chronicle Correspondent
THE National University of Science and Technology (Nust) has secured funding from the private sector to complete the construction of the university’s multi-million dollar outstanding buildings.

Previously, the university hugely depended on State coffers for building purposes but construction works have stalled for several years owing to a shortage of funds.

The institution has been known for its hanging cranes resembling lack of progress at the university’s site.

Nust, whose mandate is to produce Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) graduates, had even diverted from its core mandate, as it was now producing more commercials biased graduates due to infrastructural problems.

Recently, the Government directed Nust to revert to its mandate of producing science and technology graduates.

Addressing a Nust alumni and friends meeting held last Friday night, the university’s Vice Chancellor Professor Mqhele Dlodlo said he was committed to turning Nust into a world class university.

He said to achieve his dream, he was seized with addressing infrastructural projects that have hindered the institution’s growth having secured funding for the projects.

“Since my assumption of office in April, the lack of infrastructure has been my greatest concern and my energies have been directed towards finding solutions to this nightmare. We have signed a few Memorandum of Understandings with various stakeholders to address this challenge.

“We have since secured funding through Build Operate Transfers (BOTs) for the following facilities, the student residence, which will see us housing almost all our students on campus, the campus service centre which will be social and commercial hub of the main campus, the health sciences campus complete with a Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Health Care Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry along with a specialist teaching hospital and main library and information technology services centre,” said Prof Dlodlo.

The Nust VC said the university intends to build a commercial multi-purpose sports stadium.

He did not reveal the amount of money that will be channelled towards the construction projects under the BOTs arrangement and the investors involved.

However, the projects will run into millions of dollars as Nust is suffering from serious under development.

The Vice Chancellor said through the industrial hub which will be commissioned soon, Nust will be creating innovations to solve societal problems.

Prof Dlodlo implored Nust’s alumni society to contribute towards the university’s growth by directly funding some of its projects among other meaningful contributions.

“We strive to be a university that grooms a well-rounded graduate able to stand their ground in all facets of life, be it in academia, industry and social circles,” he said.

“Working closely with you we wish to fulfill our vision of being the world class centre of excellence in science and technology and entrepreneurship for sustainable development.

“We want to form exclusive partnerships with you as representatives of industry and form research collaborations which will solve most of our societal woes.” —-@nqotshili