In a bid to advance intellectual justice and transform the landscape of scholarly communication, Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences (MSUAS) joined the global academic community in celebrating International Open Access Week at its Fernhill Campus.

Held under the theme “Who Owns Our Knowledge,” this year’s celebrations sought to promote a more equitable, transparent and inclusive system of scholarly communication.

The annual commemoration provided a platform for dialogue and innovation around open access and the right to knowledge.

Speaking on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Albert Chawanda, the Pro-Vice Chancellor, Professor Upenyu Guyo, described the commemorations as crucial to the university community’s intellectual growth. He noted that open access represents the foundation of intellectual justice by dismantling barriers that prevent equitable knowledge sharing.

“These celebrations are not just ceremonial; they are an affirmation of our belief in the transformative power of knowledge — a belief that when information is shared, societies are enlightened, innovation is unleashed, and nations are transformed,” said Professor Guyo.

Similar sentiments were echoed by Dr. Rosemary Maturure, the librarian at Africa University, and Professor Abbyssinia Mushunje from the University of Fort Hare, who both underscored the importance of eliminating barriers to knowledge sharing, particularly the high costs associated with accessing scholarly publications hidden behind paywalls.

To further reinforce the notion of open access to knowledge, MSUAS students participated in a Hackathon and Pitch Deck Challenge sponsored by UNESCO O3 Plus.

The competition encouraged students to develop innovative digital solutions promoting open access, using open resources to design digital posters, short videos and pitch-deck presentations that addressed real barriers to information accessibility and library services.

The event was attended by members of the MSUAS community, including principal officers, executive deans, directors, staff, and students, demonstrating the University’s unwavering commitment to the free and unrestricted sharing of knowledge.

Through initiatives such as the Open Access Week, MSUAS continues to champion the democratisation of knowledge and the use of digital innovation to drive research visibility, collaboration, and sustainable development in line with its motto — Research, Innovation, Sustainable Development.