Zimbabwe has marked another milestone in higher education with the commencement of academic activities at the Midlands State University (MSU) Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa Law School in Kwekwe, a facility expected to strengthen legal training, research and innovation.
Lectures officially began on Monday after the MSU Faculty of Law completed its relocation from the university’s main campus in Gweru to the newly established campus along the Old Gokwe Road in Kwekwe.
Speaking in an interview yesterday, Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Owen Ncube, described the opening of the campus as a landmark achievement for both the province and the country’s education sector.
“The Second Republic remains committed to prioritising education, recognising it as the bedrock of national development. Facilities of this nature will enhance research, innovation and partnerships that benefit both Zimbabwe and the wider region,” he said.
Minister Ncube said it was fitting that the institution bears the name of President Emmerson Mnangagwa in recognition of his contribution to education, national development and the advancement of the justice sector.
“It is fitting that this facility bears the name of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, given his continued championing of education and development,” he said.
MSU Pro-Vice Chancellor for Infrastructure and Campus Development, Dr Gift Manyatera, confirmed that operations had successfully commenced at the new campus.
“University operations at the Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa Law School in Kwekwe commenced on Monday as the Faculty of Law has relocated to the Kwekwe campus from Gweru,” he said.
Dr Manyatera said the institution represented a major investment in the future of legal education, providing an environment that encourages academic excellence, research and innovation.
“As I have indicated before, the new law school is expected to strengthen Zimbabwe’s position as a regional destination for legal education, research and academic cooperation in line with Vision 2030,” he said.
He added that construction of on-campus hostels had already begun to improve student welfare and create a fully integrated learning environment.
Commissioned by President Mnangagwa last year, the 220-hectare campus has capacity to accommodate about 600 law students and will eventually house the Faculties of Agriculture and Natural Resources as well as the Built Environment.
The law school has already attracted regional interest. Recently, a delegation from the University of Zambia School of Law Class of 1975 toured the facility, describing it as a milestone for legal education and regional academic cooperation. The delegation, whose members studied alongside President Mnangagwa at the University of Zambia, also presented the publication “Conversations With The Law School Class of 1975,” chronicling their experiences during their years of study.
As Zimbabwe continues investing in modern education infrastructure, the Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa Law School is expected to play a central role in producing highly skilled legal professionals, advancing research and supporting the country’s Vision 2030 agenda through Heritage-Based Education 5.0.
