By A Correspondent
In a move that has sparked mixed reactions, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has named a new law school after himself, further solidifying his presence in Zimbabwe’s political and educational landscape. The E.D. Mnangagwa Law School, currently under construction at Midlands State University, is set to be one of the premier institutions for legal education in the region once completed.
The project is 65% finished and is expected to be ready by August.
During a recent tour of the site, Hon. Ministers Owen Ncube and Jenfan Muswere praised the progress of the development, which will feature four key expansions.
“This is a showcase of the progress we are making under the visionary leadership of President Mnangagwa,” said Ncube, highlighting the school’s state-of-the-art facilities, including a moot court and a comprehensive library resource center.
The law school is part of Mnangagwa’s broader agenda to strengthen Zimbabwe’s legal education and contribute to the country’s long-term goals, as outlined in Resolution number 1. “This is a clear demonstration of our commitment to educational advancement and legal reform,” Muswere noted during the tour.
While the law school is seen as a positive step forward for Zimbabwe’s educational infrastructure, some critics argue that naming such a significant institution after himself sends a message that Mnangagwa is unwilling to cede power anytime soon.
His historical contributions to Zimbabwe’s legal framework, coupled with the school bearing his name, have led to concerns about the growing centralization of power.