Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba/Freedom Mupanedemo, Midlands Bureau
The new state-of-the-art ED Mnangagwa Law School at Midlands State University (MSU) was officially opened yesterday in Kwekwe, Midlands Province, marking a landmark achievement in Zimbabwe’s academic and legal landscape.
President Mnangagwa led the proceedings, which coincided with the university’s 26th graduation ceremony of 6 849 graduands drawn from different faculties.
It was the first time for MSU to hold its graduation ceremony outside its main campus in Gweru.
In his keynote address after concluding a tour of the magnificent structure equipped with modern facilities, including a moot court for enhanced learning and a practical environment, President Mnangagwa expressed excitement over the successful implementation of the project and the impact it will deliver.
He admired the new facility’s lecture theatres, seminar rooms, tutorial rooms, a legal aid clinic, library, computer laboratories, and staff offices, which meet global best standards.
President Mnangagwa applauded MSU for being innovative and for its boldness in driving academic excellence, as well as widening access to higher education through its various campuses in most parts of the country.
“It’s not how many degrees your institutions churn out, or the number of papers you publish in reputable journals, but the day-to-day problems you solve within our communities and the economy,” said President Mnangagwa.
“Affordable legal counsel must be accessible to all people. It’s pleasing that this Law School has incorporated a Legal Aid Clinic to serve the surrounding communities.
State-of-the-art Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa Law School ready for commissioning
“This facility must, therefore, entrench a culture of service among law students, ensuring that by the time they graduate, they have a strong sense of patriotism, volunteerism, and duty to society.”
The President said the establishment of the new Law School was not just about producing lawyers but producing problem-solvers, ethical leaders, and patriots who will defend justice, protect the vulnerable, and build institutions that strengthen democracy.
“The Faculty of Law at MSU has already made a significant impact, with students excelling in moot court competitions and gaining prestigious memberships,” he said.
The President said the Kwekwe Campus must develop complementary synergies, ensuring that law intersects with other disciplines such as agriculture, environment, and art and design while embracing modern technology, including artificial intelligence.
“By doing so, we can produce versatile and well-rounded legal professionals who are equipped to solve the challenges of modern society,” said President Mnangagwa.
He commended MSU for distinguishing itself as a forward-looking and responsive institution that continues to meet the needs of the economy at large through its multi-campus system.
The Kwekwe Campus is set to house three faculties — the Faculty of Law, the Faculty of Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources Management and the Faculty of Built Environment, Art and Design.
“Congratulations. This is a clear reflection that the university is aligning its academic programmes with the broader national development agenda, particularly the imperatives of Heritage-Based Education 5.0,” said President Mnangagwa.
“Having been both a student and a practitioner of the law, I am well acquainted with the centrality of legal education in building democratic, just, and prosperous societies.”
The President told thousands of people who witnessed the double event that solid legal backing was critical in safeguarding the hard-won Independence and sovereignty, accelerating modernisation, and industrialisation in line with vision 2030 ideals.
Since construction works began in 2022, the new campus project has created employment opportunities for surrounding communities, which include builders, carpenters, steel fixers and site officers, among others.
President Mnangagwa said he was humbled and honoured to have the Law School named after him as a historic recognition tribute to the collective sacrifices of those who fought for our independence and freedom.
He lauded the participation of polytechnics in the infrastructure development projects within higher and tertiary education as a testimony of the success of the Heritage-Based Education 5.0, which continues to equip many young people with skills to produce goods and services that answer to the needs of society.
“We thank Masvingo Polytechnic staff and students for roofing this complex . . . congratulations to our universities for playing their part as catalysts for job creation, innovation, and opportunities,” he said.
Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa Law School set to transform legal education
President Mnangagwa said the MSU Faculty of Law has already made a mark on the regional and international stage.
“I’m also advised that some of our law students have been incorporated into globally prestigious memberships, contributing to cutting-edge disciplines such as space law.
“These achievements remind us that Zimbabwe is not a mere spectator, but a participant and contributor to shaping and transforming the jurisprudence of the 21st century.
“Through innovation, resilience, and determination, our students have brought home awards, including those from United Nations-linked initiatives. This is evidence of the immense talent within our country that must be nurtured, for the benefit of posterity,” said the President.
He challenged the new campus to entrench a culture of service among law students, ensuring that by the time they graduate, they have a strong sense of patriotism, volunteerism, and duty to society.
Reiterating the need for complementary synergies that will consolidate the university’s impact on the country, the President said the Faculty of Agriculture, Environment, and Natural Resources Management must benefit from legal expertise on land rights, environmental law, and intellectual property law, among other aspects.
Similarly, he said the Built Environment and Art and Design Faculty should intersect with the law of contracts, construction regulations, as well as cultural heritage protection.
“Law students and legal practitioners must remain well-equipped to solve the challenges of today’s modern and industrialised societies. Our profession must not be left behind. If you fail this, you will come and work at my farm,” he said with the gallery bursting in laughter.
Turning to the need to accelerate inclusive development, modernisation and industrialisation, President Mnangagwa said institutions of higher learning must keep up the momentum that has seen the country realise unprecedented successes in this sector.
“To the students who will walk these halls, your study in a school named after your President must not result in vain glory. It must challenge and inspire you to match or surpass the sacrifices of those who came before you,” he said.
“Always exude the values of unflinching patriotism, diligence, discipline, hard, honest work and determination. Serve your country with wholehearted commitment.
“Use your knowledge of law to uplift the weak and vulnerable, defend the oppressed, and always advance the interests of our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe.”
President Mnangagwa further urged graduands to remain guided by the development philosophy “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo/ Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabaninilo”.
