Promoting inclusive education in Zimbabwe’s higher and tertiary institutions: challenges and opportunities

In Zimbabwe's higher and tertiary institutions, inclusive education is critical for ensuring equal access to education and opportunities for all students, regardless of their ability or circumstances. The growing recognition of diversity and inclusion in society serves as a catalyst for change, encouraging higher and tertiary education institutions to adopt inclusive practices. This study explored the various educational contexts in higher and tertiary education and the specific challenges and opportunities associated with implementing inclusive education in such contexts in Zimbabwe. Steeped in an interpretivist philosophy and adopting a multiple case study design the study utilised interviews on purposively selected lecturers and administrators from three faculties in three state universities in Zimbabwe. Observations of facilities by the researchers and students’ focus groups were also utilised to unravel specific challenges and opportunities in implementing inclusive education. The study proffers interventions that higher and tertiary education institutions in Zimbabwe can adopt in order to create an inclusive educational environment that embraces diversity, promotes equal opportunities, and prepares all students for success in a diverse and interconnected world.