MIDLANDS State University (MSU) has made history after hosting Zimbabwe’s first large-scale Alumni Reunion and Business Expo, attracting thousands of graduates from across the country.
The landmark event, held last Friday at the university campus, marked a major milestone in MSU’s 25-year journey, bringing together former students, Government officials and industry leaders.
The reunion transformed the campus into a vibrant gathering of alumni reconnecting, sharing experiences and exploring business opportunities through an exhibition featuring alumni-led companies.
Ministers Attend Historic MSU Alumni Event
The event was attended by the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Dr Frederick Shava, and the Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Owen Ncube.
Speaking at the gathering, Dr Shava said alumni networks play a crucial role in strengthening universities and supporting national development.
He noted that Midlands State University has produced more than 96,000 graduates since 2004, many of whom now work across sectors such as Government, academia, business and industry.
“A university can only be as good as its former students,” said Dr Shava.
“I urge the alumni to support the university’s development plans, including the establishment of innovation hubs and state-of-the-art facilities that will help drive Zimbabwe’s economic growth.”
MSU Launches Alumni Fund to Support Development
During the event, Dr Shava announced the launch of the MSU Alumni Fund, an initiative designed to support infrastructure development, research programmes and innovation projects at the university.
The fund is expected to encourage graduates to contribute to the growth of their alma mater while strengthening links between academia and industry.
Dr Shava said the initiative aligns with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s philosophy that national development is driven by citizens, captured in the slogan “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo.”
MSU Recognised as Catalyst for Regional Development
Minister Owen Ncube praised the university for its impact on the Midlands province and the country as a whole.
He said MSU has become a key institution for learning, innovation and community engagement, contributing significantly to Zimbabwe’s development agenda.
“This gathering is the first of its kind in Zimbabwe’s higher education sector and we are proud of Midlands State University,” said Minister Ncube.
“You are pacesetters, demonstrating how universities can mobilise their alumni networks to support national development.”
He added that alumni bring valuable corporate knowledge, professional networks and labour market experience that can help shape curriculum development and institutional governance.
Vice Chancellor Highlights MSU Growth
MSU Vice Chancellor Professor Victor Ngonidzashe Muzvidziwa highlighted the university’s remarkable growth since its establishment.
He said the institution has expanded from four faculties to 10, producing more than 90,000 graduates worldwide.
“Universities are like trees. Their worth is measured not just by the height of their trunks but by the strength of their roots and the richness of the fruit they bear,” said Prof Muzvidziwa.
He encouraged alumni to support the university through mentorship programmes, internship placements and strategic investments through the Alumni Fund.
Innovation and Infrastructure Projects Showcased
During the reunion, the university also showcased several initiatives demonstrating its practical contribution to national development.
These included:
• The National Pathology Centre
• Innovation and industrial hubs
• A newly completed dam supporting campus infrastructure
Prof Muzvidziwa said these projects reflect the university’s focus on research, innovation and industrialisation, in line with Zimbabwe’s development goals.
Business Expo Highlights Alumni Entrepreneurship
A major highlight of the event was the Alumni Business Expo, which featured a diverse range of alumni-led businesses and corporate organisations.
The exhibition provided a platform for graduates to showcase their entrepreneurial achievements and build partnerships with fellow alumni and industry players.
Strategic partners and sponsors also attended the event, signalling strong support for MSU’s vision of building a network of professionals committed to national development.
The historic gathering concluded with renewed calls for alumni to remain actively involved in shaping the future of the university and contributing to Zimbabwe’s economic transformation.
