By Dumisani Ndlovu
Midlands State University (MSU) is set to commemorate its Silver Jubilee in 2025, marking 25 years of academic excellence and innovation in Zimbabwe.
MSU is a state-owned university located in Gweru, Midlands Province, Zimbabwe. Established by an Act of Parliament in 1999, the university officially opened its doors to students in 2000. MSU has since grown to become one of Zimbabwe’s largest and most respected institutions of higher learning.
To celebrate this milestone, MSU has announced a year-long series of events, which will include “exclusive golf tournaments and thought-provoking public lectures to elegant celebration dinners,” according to an official statement. The university aims to bring together alumni, current students, staff, and corporate partners to partake in the festivities. “As valued members of our university community, your presence will make our anniversary truly special,” the statement emphasized.
Founded in 2000, MSU has grown to become Zimbabwe’s largest university, with around 23,000 students enrolled across its campuses nationwide. The institution comprises nine faculties offering a range of courses and specialized programs. Throughout its 25 years, MSU has achieved numerous accolades, including the Faculty of Law team’s triumph at the African Moot Court Championship in Kigali. The team also reached the quarter-finals of the prestigious 2024 Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Competition World Finals in Milan.
One of the key figures who played a pivotal role in shaping MSU’s academic excellence is Prof Emeritus Ngwabi Bhebhe, who served as the university’s founding Pro Vice Chancellor. Prof Bhebhe’s visionary leadership and academic expertise were instrumental in establishing MSU’s strong foundation in research, innovation, and community engagement. His contributions to the development of MSU’s academic programs, research initiatives, and institutional policies have had a lasting impact on the university’s growth and success.
MSU’s leadership in marketing and innovation has earned it the Marketing Champion Leadership Award and the National Exceptional Marketing Award. The university also secured the 18th position in the 2024 Sub-Saharan Africa University rankings by Times Higher Education. MSU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Victor Ngonidzashe Muzvidziwa, was honored with the CEO Africa Roundtable 2024 CEO of the Year award in the education category, recognizing his visionary leadership and the university’s progressive approach to education.
As MSU celebrates its Silver Jubilee, it invites its community and beyond to join in honoring a legacy of academic excellence and innovation that has transformed lives for a quarter of a century.
