Midlands State University (MSU) has officially begun operations at its new Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa Law School in Kwekwe, marking a significant milestone in Zimbabwe’s efforts to strengthen legal education and expand higher learning infrastructure.
Teaching at the new campus started on Monday following the relocation of the university’s Faculty of Law from the main campus in Gweru. With the move now complete, all law lectures, tutorials and faculty administration are being conducted from the Kwekwe campus as students begin the new academic semester.
The university has also commenced construction of student accommodation, paving the way for learners to eventually reside on campus.
The purpose-built law school is expected to become a leading institution for legal training, research and academic collaboration within the region. The project forms part of the government’s Heritage-Based Education 5.0 agenda, which seeks to align higher education with research, innovation and industrial development.
Named after President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the campus was designed to increase the country’s capacity to train legal professionals while providing modern facilities that meet international standards. Construction of the project began in 2023.
Once fully completed, the double-storey complex will include lecture theatres, moot courts, a law library, student hostels, a hospital, kitchen facilities, staff accommodation and other supporting infrastructure.
Speaking in an interview, MSU Pro-Vice Chancellor for Infrastructure and Campus Development, Dr Gift Manyatera, confirmed that the new campus officially opened its doors on Monday.
“The Faculty of Law has successfully relocated from Gweru to the Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa Law School in Kwekwe, and university operations commenced on Monday,” he said.
Dr Manyatera said the campus is equipped with modern learning facilities, including moot courts, lecture theatres, specialised legal education units, a law library and digital research resources.
He described the development as a major investment in Zimbabwe’s legal education sector, saying it would provide students with an environment that promotes academic excellence, innovation and research.
According to Dr Manyatera, the institution is expected to enhance Zimbabwe’s standing as a regional destination for legal studies while supporting the country’s Vision 2030 development agenda.
He also revealed that construction of on-campus hostels is already underway to provide accommodation for students in the near future.
Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Owen Ncube welcomed the opening of the new campus, describing it as an important achievement for both the province and the country’s education sector.
He said the relocation of the Faculty of Law represents another step in the university’s continued growth and reflects the government’s commitment to investing in education as a driver of national development.
“The Second Republic continues to place education at the centre of national transformation. Facilities such as this will promote research, innovation and partnerships that contribute to Zimbabwe’s development and strengthen regional cooperation,” said Minister Ncube.
He added that naming the institution after President Mnangagwa recognises the Head of State’s contribution to education and national development.
President Mnangagwa officially commissioned the Kwekwe campus last year during a landmark ceremony that also marked the first Midlands State University graduation to be held outside its main Gweru campus.
Located on a 220-hectare site along Old Gokwe Road, the law school has capacity to accommodate up to 600 students. The broader campus will also host the Faculties of Agriculture and Natural Resources as well as the Built Environment.
MSU currently admits around 120 undergraduate law students each year and also offers two master’s degree programmes, enrolling approximately 30 students annually.
The establishment of the Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa Law School is part of the government’s broader strategy to modernise higher education institutions through the Heritage-Based Education 5.0 model, which focuses on producing graduates equipped with practical skills, research capabilities and innovative solutions to support Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 goals.
Recently, a delegation from the University of Zambia School of Law Class of 1975 toured the new facility and praised it as an important contribution to legal education and regional academic cooperation.
The delegation, whose members studied alongside President Mnangagwa at the University of Zambia, also presented a publication titled *Conversations With The Law School Class of 1975*, documenting the experiences and memories of the class.
