Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba
MIDLANDS State University (MSU) has evolved into a dynamic hub of innovation and academic excellence, producing over 85 000 graduates since its establishment 25 years ago.
As part of its mission to broaden access to higher education and ensure that no one and no place is left behind, the university continues to expand its footprint by opening new campuses across the country.
Last week, MSU marked its Silver Jubilee with a commemorative dinner in Harare. The university was born out of a vision shared by President Mnangagwa, the late national hero and former Vice-President Dr Simon Muzenda, and fellow national heroes Cdes Richard Hove and Cephas Msipa, who together formed the first committee that led to its creation.
The late distinguished academic, Professor Ngwabi Bhebhe, served as an academic consultant to the committee and later became MSU’s founding Vice Chancellor in 1999. He retired in 2016, handing over the reins to the current Vice Chancellor, Professor Victor Muzvidziwa.
Over the past two and a half decades, MSU has emerged as a leader in Education 5.0, a philosophy that champions teaching, research, community engagement, innovation, and industrialisation. The university has become a key player in promoting entrepreneurship and socio-economic development, offering capital and support for start-ups focused on life-changing solutions.
To support this mandate, MSU has established several flagship initiatives, including the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEI), the MSU Innovation Hub, and MSU Incubate — a dedicated incubation space that supports the development and commercialisation of promising student and faculty-led innovations.
Speaking during the Silver Jubilee celebration, Professor Muzvidziwa said the milestone reflected the collective efforts of the university, Government, and industry partners in building a resilient and forward-looking institution.
“We take this celebration as an opportunity to thank our alumni who have contributed to our brand and to facilitate and deepen partnerships that can drive innovation and growth. I am sincerely hopeful that these celebrations will inspire our future students, staff, and other stakeholders by motivating them to continue contributing to the vision, mission, and strategic goals of Midlands State University,” he said.
Professor Muzvidziwa emphasised that MSU has remained true to its core mandate of teaching, research, innovation, and community engagement. However, he acknowledged the rapidly changing landscape of global higher education and the need for adaptive strategies.
“As we take stock of our past achievements, we are also acutely aware of the fluid nature of the higher education terrain. Higher education is undergoing rapid transformation, and we are not immune to the impact of the global megatrends that continue to reshape higher education.
“For this reason, we look forward to modelling flexible approaches for lifelong learners and diverse student bodies, to reskill our workforce to meet the ever-changing demands of the labour market, to mobilise more resources to ensure sustainability, to foster robust partnerships, and to promote technological advancements through research and digital innovations,” he said.
He reiterated that more than 85 000 students had passed through MSU’s gates, becoming ambassadors of transformation and national development.
“MSU shares a vision with Zimbabweans to work for the prosperity of the nation. Our dream, therefore, is to superintend over an innovative, efficient, and leading public university, and to champion the national cause of economic transformation,” he said.
MSU Council’s founding chairperson, Advocate Canaan Dube, also reflected on the university’s growth, commending the institution’s robust governance foundation.
“Together with the founding Vice Chancellor, Prof Bhebhe, we understood the need to demonstrate exceptional leadership. We focused on establishing a sound governance framework that ensured accountability, transparency, and collaborative decision-making,” he said.
Advocate Dube noted that MSU’s sustainability and success stemmed from its inclusive and ethical approach to leadership and management.
“The university has thrived by welcoming diverse perspectives, maintaining financial prudence, managing risks effectively, and responding to stakeholder concerns with integrity. It is through these values that MSU has been able to achieve its strategic goals and operational efficiency,” he said.
He congratulated the current leadership, staff, and students for continuing to build on these solid foundations.
