Story by Bruce Chahwanda, Political Editor
CHANCELLOR of the Midlands State University (MSU), President Emmerson Mnangagwa, has urged tertiary institutions to nurture problem-solvers who advance Zimbabwe’s national development agenda while defending the country’s sovereignty.
He made the call this Thursday during the commissioning of the Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa (ED) Law School at MSU’s Kwekwe campus, an event which also coincided with the university’s 26th graduation ceremony.
The imposing law school, now the largest in Zimbabwe, boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including a moot court and seminar rooms designed to prepare students for regional and international competitions.
President Mnangagwa said the naming of the institution in his honour was not a personal accolade, but a tribute to the sacrifices of liberation heroes.
“I am deeply humbled by the decision by the university council, senate, and management to name this law school in my honour. I receive this recognition, not as a personal accolade, but as a tribute to the collective sacrifices of the many sons and daughters of our soil, who waged the protracted liberation struggle, so that as Zimbabweans, we can be an independent and free people, as well as masters of our own destiny.
“The establishment of this Law School is not merely about producing lawyers. It is about producing problem-solvers, ethical leaders, and patriots who will defend justice, protect the vulnerable, and build institutions that strengthen our democracy. The Faculty of Law at MSU has already made a mark on the regional and international stage.
“The students have excelled in moot court competitions, covering such diverse areas as Space Law, International Human Rights, and Public International Law. I am also advised that some of our law students have been incorporated into globally prestigious memberships, contributing to cutting-edge disciplines such as Space Law,” he said.
The head of state said the law must be used to advance national development as the heritage-based education 5.0 model is meant to empower students to respond to the needs of society.
“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. 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 law is a tool for development and the backbone of our governance system. It aids us as we safeguard our hard-won Independence and sovereignty, while we also accelerate modernisation, industrialisation, and broad-based economic growth, that leaves no one and no place behind,” he said.
President Mnangagwa implored institutions of higher learning to continuously champion industrialisation and modernisation of the country’s economy.
“In this spirit, our law faculties across our universities must ensure that law is not read or practiced in isolation. Graduates should be moulded to be versatile in a broad range of contemporary disciplines, including ICTs, Artificial Intelligence, robotics, climate and environmental issues, bio-technology, as well as peace and security, among other aspects.
“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. We gather here at a time when our nation is accelerating inclusive development, modernisation, and industrialisation. I urge our institutions of higher learning to maintain the momentum that has seen us realize unprecedented successes in this sector. Continue to be innovative and boldly implement your respective mandates.
“Always shun the temptation of the ivory tower syndrome. It is 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. My government will continue to support universities and tertiary institutions in their respective endeavours,” he said.
The head of state said students must be patriotic, working towards advancing national interests.
“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. 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,” he said.
The government has expressed its commitment towards the construction of modern infrastructure across the country, and Midlands State University has remained synonymous with expansion from Gweru to Zvishavane, Kwekwe, and Harare, bringing education closer to the people.
