THE Insurance Institute of Zimbabwe (IIZ) and the Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) have launched a risk management and insurance club to improve research and development for students at the tertiary institution, NewsDay Business can report.
The collaboration is also meant to provide students with opportunities to attain insurance professional qualifications starting with the certificate of proficiency, which can be completed during their first or second year.
Speaking during the launch of the club at the university this week, IIZ general manager Davison Chieni said the institute was also looking into feeding the research and development department from the insights that will be generated from the club members.
“With this initiative which is a collaboration between IIZ and GZU aiming to produce skilled and highly competent sought after graduands. We are not only fulfilling the education 5.0 mantra but are making history to the insurance profession,” he said.
“The institute is looking into connecting the club members with potential employers while you are still studying. The institute will facilitate a wide range of insurance captains to visit the club twice a semester to provide tutorials on pertinent insurance issues and skills.
“This will be an opportunity for the members to meet potential employers for attachment and graduate trainee programmes. These insurance captains will also have an opportunity to identify and select potential students.”
The club members will have access to the trending issues in the industry, which could help them to formulate their research topics and produce dissertations.
Chieni added that IIZ provides a comprehensive range of educational programmes, professional designations and networking events to support the development of the insurance sector.
Clainos Chidoko, dean of the Herbert Chitepo School of Law and Business at GZU, said the launch of the club aligned to the national heritage-based philosophy of higher education.
“Our ongoing collaboration with industry ensures that our education, research, community service and innovation efforts are aligned to market demands and contribute to positive industrial development,” Chidoko said.
“At GZU, we promote and support the interaction between our students, teachers and the industry, as well as the formation of partnerships. This is done to ensure that our graduates are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to actively contribute to the development of our country.”