The Head of the Department of Information Communication and Technology proudly announced to a meeting of staff off campus that an Application (APP) has been created and “deployed”. Dr Vikash Jugoo said the App has been created by graduates from his department, who are now interns. These interns are now working in the Innovation Lab where they are quietly making more Apps. The App that was launched is called COOP CV SYSTEM, a streamlining career opportunities Application. Its link is www.coopcv.com
The Project Manager and Lead Software Engineer, Nkazimulo Nene, said the APP provides solutions to students seeking Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities or job placements. Nene said these students are “faced with a chaotic, inefficient process of submitting their CVs. There is no centralised system; applications would get lost, and students have no access to the status of their submissions”.
The App COOP CV SYSTEM created a streamlined, professional platform that enables students to submit CVs efficiently when seeking WIL opportunities or job placements. He said the project that took six months to assemble went live some time ago and is now in production, serving students daily. “It is not just about efficiency; it is about giving students better access to career opportunities and helping them present themselves professionally to potential employers”, Nene said. Nene described the Innovation Lab as the University’s “problem-solving engine”. “Our core mission is to improve the entire University ecosystem by developing technological solutions that add value to everyone within our Institution—students, academic staff, and support staff alike”.
Dr Jugoo takes great pride in his team, which includes his colleague Dr Bethel Mutanga. The team has several promising projects in the pipeline. One of these projects is MUT CHATBOT, designed to break down information barriers, making access to knowledge easier for everyone. Another project, SNAP & FIX, aims to revolutionise infrastructure maintenance, improving efficiency and effectiveness in this crucial area.
“As the Head of Department, I take great pride in their contributions. This initiative acts as a practical extension of our academic program, giving students valuable real-world experience in a structured and meaningful way. It also helps them build essential skills in teamwork, project management, and client interaction, which are crucial in today’s job market,” Dr Jugoo stated. He noted that the benefits extend to both the department and the students. “For our department, the Innovation Lab is a catalyst for innovation and provides operational support. For students, it serves as a launchpad into the industry, helping to connect theory with practical applications. Many interns leave the program not only with a qualification but also with a portfolio of significant work and a clearer sense of purpose,” Dr Jugoo concluded.