General Overview

Bindura University of Science Education (BUSE) is a public university located in Bindura, Mashonaland Central Province, Zimbabwe. Its motto is “Commitment • Discipline • Excellence.”

The institution has multiple campuses:

Main Campus: about 5 km from Bindura town centre.

Town Campus: situated along Border Gezi Avenue in Bindura.

FSE Campus: the Faculty of Science Education complex in Shashi View, Bindura.

History & Evolution

The university traces its roots to the Zimbabwe-Cuba Teacher Training Programme of the 1980s, which focused on training science educators.

In 1995, the programme was moved back to Zimbabwe, leading to the establishment of a college in Bindura affiliated with the University of Zimbabwe.

The college officially opened in 1996 with an inaugural intake of 125 students.

In 2000, the Bindura University of Science Education Act was passed, granting the institution full university status.

The first graduation ceremony took place in 2003.

In 2018, BUSE launched Zimbabwe’s first School of Optometry.

Academic Structure & Programs

Although its name emphasizes science education, BUSE offers a wide range of programmes, including:

STEM disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)

Commerce and Social Sciences

Teacher training through the Faculty of Science Education, with departments covering Educational Foundations, Curriculum & Management Studies, Educational Technology, and Science & Mathematics Education.

The university offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes. Its library system combines print and digital resources, providing access to e-books, journals, theses, and past exam papers.

Governance & Leadership

Chancellor: The President of Zimbabwe (currently Emmerson D. Mnangagwa).

Vice Chancellors: Over the years, leadership has included founding vice chancellors such as Prof. Cowdeng Chikomba, followed by Prof. Sam Abel Tswana, Prof. Eddie Mwenje, and subsequent appointments.

Location & Context

Bindura is about 87 km northeast of Harare. The semi-urban setting provides a quieter study environment compared to the capital.

Main Campus address: 741 Chimurenga Road, off Trojan Road, Bindura.

Town Campus: Border Gezi Avenue, Bindura.

Strengths, Challenges & Notable Facts

BUSE has a strong focus on advancing science and mathematics education in Zimbabwe.

It established the country’s first School of Optometry.

It hosts the National Sports Academy, which develops talent and supports high-performance sports research.

Alumni have gone on to achieve international recognition, including awards such as Rhodes Scholarships.

At times, the university has faced challenges tied to political dynamics in the region, which have occasionally affected student life.