President Mnangagwa opens MSU Law School

By Dumisani Ndlovu

Kwekwe— President Emmerson Mnangagwa officially opened the E.D. Mnangagwa Law School at Midlands State University’s Kwekwe Campus, a major step forward for Zimbabwe’s legal education system. The commissioning coincided with MSU’s 26th graduation ceremony, where thousands of graduates, families, and dignitaries gathered to celebrate academic achievement and institutional growth.
“It is my distinct honour and privilege to officiate at this ceremony,” said Mnangagwa, acknowledging the dual significance of the day. He applauded MSU for its forward-thinking approach, noting that “the adoption of the multi-campus system has helped decongest the Gweru campus and brought education closer to the people.”
The Kwekwe Campus will host three faculties: Law; Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources Management; and Built Environment, Art and Design. Mnangagwa emphasized that this expansion reflects the university’s alignment with national priorities, particularly the Heritage-Based Education 5.0 framework.
“As someone who has studied and practiced law,” he said, “I understand its role in shaping democratic, just, and prosperous societies.” He described the law as a foundation for governance and a tool for safeguarding sovereignty while driving inclusive development.
The President highlighted the collaborative effort behind the law school’s construction, which began in 2022 and created jobs for local artisans and technicians. He also recognized Masvingo Polytechnic for its contribution to the roofing of the facility, calling it a model of practical education in action.
The new law school includes moot courts, lecture halls, seminar rooms, a legal aid clinic, and digital learning spaces. Mnangagwa said these facilities would “enrich the student experience and prepare young people to compete confidently on regional and global platforms.”
He expressed gratitude to the university for naming the school in his honour, saying, “I receive this recognition not as a personal accolade, but as a tribute to the sacrifices of those who fought for our independence.”
Mnangagwa urged students to become “problem solvers, ethical leaders, and patriots,” and encouraged cross-disciplinary collaboration among the three faculties. He stressed that legal education should not exist in isolation, but intersect with fields like technology, environmental science, and design.
He also praised MSU’s achievements in international moot court competitions, including Space Law and Human Rights, noting that Zimbabwean students are contributing to global legal discourse. “Zimbabwe is not a spectator—we are shaping the jurisprudence of the 21st century,” he said.
The inclusion of a Legal Aid Clinic was singled out as a vital resource for surrounding communities. Mnangagwa said it would instill a culture of service among students and ensure they graduate with a strong sense of duty to society.
“To those who will walk these halls,” he said, “let this school challenge and inspire you to serve your country with discipline, diligence, and unwavering commitment.”
He concluded by thanking the university leadership, government ministries, private sector partners, and the Kwekwe community for their support.
“Let this school be a beacon of justice, knowledge, and service. Let it produce men and women who will shape Zimbabwe’s future he said,”