The Midlands State University (MSU) Postgraduate Studies Office continues to strengthen the University’s commitment to academic excellence through the successful hosting of a series of open doctoral oral examinations (viva voce) across different faculties.

The examinations form an important stage in the University’s postgraduate assessment process, providing candidates with an opportunity to present and defend their research before panels of local and international scholars, industry experts, academic leaders and members of the university community.

Recently, the Faculty of Business Sciences hosted the oral examination of Doctor of Business Leadership candidate Mrs Miniyothabo Francisca Baloyi-Chiwenga, whose research examines The ‘Guns’ Versus ‘Butter’ Dilemma in Zimbabwe, 1990–2023.

Meanwhile, the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences convened doctoral and MPhil oral examinations for Mr Trust Nyirenda, whose study explores the therapeutic potential of the indigenous herb Myrothamnus flabellifolius as a natural remedy for dysmenorrhea, and Mr Elliot Nyagumbo, whose research focuses on the ethnopharmacological uses and scientific properties of medicinal plants used in managing microbial infections in Gokwe South District, Zimbabwe.

The examinations brought together distinguished external examiners from universities across Africa alongside Midlands State University academics, supervisors, senior faculty members and postgraduate specialists. Their participation reflects the University’s continued commitment to rigorous quality assurance, independent scholarly evaluation and adherence to international standards in postgraduate research.

During the open oral examinations, candidates deliver formal presentations of their research before responding to scholarly questions from opponents, senior academics, industry experts and members of the audience. This process enables the examination panels to assess candidates’ understanding of their research, methodological choices, theoretical grounding and the broader significance of their work.

Speaking on the significance of the examinations, the Postgraduate Studies Office noted that the open viva voce model continues to enhance transparency, scholarly engagement and public appreciation of postgraduate research while reinforcing Midlands State University’s commitment to producing research that addresses national, regional and global challenges through rigorous academic inquiry.