Gweru, Zimbabwe – 4 March 2025 – Midlands State University (MSU) marked a significant milestone in its 25th Anniversary Celebrations with a thought-provoking public lecture on African thought, held at its Gweru Main Campus.
Organised by the Faculty of Education, the event, themed “A Systematic Understanding of African Thought in Terms of Worldview, Intellectual Orientation, and Knowledge Project,” drew academics, students, and stakeholders into a vibrant exploration of Africa’s intellectual heritage.
The event was set in motion by Dr. A. Moyo, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Education, who introduced the keynote speaker with a flair that heightened the anticipation in the room.
Dr. Moyo painted a vivid picture of the guest speaker’s distinguished career, sparking curiosity and excitement among the attendees.
“Today, we are privileged to host a scholar whose work has redefined the boundaries of African thought and decolonisation studies.
“Professor Aghogho Akpome is not only an academic luminary but also a passionate advocate for the reclamation of African narratives,” Dr. Moyo said.
Dr. Moyo’s introduction set the tone for what would become a captivating and intellectually stimulating address, leaving the audience eager to engage with the keynote speaker’s ideas.
The event also featured remarks from MSU’s leadership, who reflected on the university’s 25-year journey and its contributions to Zimbabwe’s higher education sector.
Professor Victor Ngonidzashe Muzvidziwa, Midlands State University – Vice Chancellor, highlighted the institution’s unwavering commitment to its mandate.
“As we celebrate 25 years of academic excellence, we take pride in the profound impact MSU has made in developing minds, inspiring innovation, and shaping destinies.
“Our heritage-based education system, which focuses on producing goods and services rooted in Zimbabwe’s natural endowments, has positioned us as a leader in higher education,” remarked Professor Muzvidziwa.
The lecture not only underscored MSU’s commitment to academic excellence but also highlighted Zimbabwe’s rising prominence as a global hub for quality education.
Professor Mcebisi Maphosa, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Administration, echoed the Vice Chancellor’s sentiments, emphasising the importance of understanding African thought in its diverse forms.
“African thought is a rich tapestry of perspectives, philosophies, and worldviews that have evolved over centuries.
“By engaging with these ideas, we not only enrich our academic pursuits but also contribute to the global knowledge economy,” he said.
In a stirring address that captured the essence of Midlands State University’s 25th Anniversary, Professor G. Mugumbate, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Industrialisation, celebrated the institution’s remarkable journey while casting a visionary eye toward the future.
“As we gather here today, we are not only celebrating the intellectual discourse that defines this public lecture but also marking a significant milestone in the life of our beloved institution,” Professor Mugumbate said.
Reflecting on MSU’s evolution, Professor Mugumbate highlighted the university’s transformation from modest beginnings to a leading institution of higher learning.
“Over the past 25 years, Midlands State University has grown into a beacon of learning and teaching, research, innovation, commercialisation, and community engagement.
“Our journey has been one of resilience, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge,” she said.
The keynote address was delivered by Professor Aghogho Akpome, an Associate Professor in the Department of English at the University of Zululand and a leading voice in decolonisation studies.
Professor Akpome lauded Zimbabwe’s education system, which has earned global recognition for its high standards and heritage-based approach.
“Zimbabwe’s education system stands as a beacon of excellence on the global stage, and institutions like Midlands State University are at the heart of this success,” he said.
“MSU’s dedication to research, innovation, and community engagement has not only elevated its own standing but has also added immense value to Zimbabwe’s brand as a centre of academic excellence,” added Professor Akpome.
Professor Akpome emphasised the importance of African thought in shaping the continent’s future, urging scholars to reclaim and promote knowledge that holds Africa not only as a site for research but also for knowledge production.
His address resonated deeply with the audience, sparking lively discussions on the role of African intellectual traditions in global knowledge production.
In a touching moment, Dr. A. Moyo, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Education, and Dr. Samuel Mashingaidze, Deputy Dean, presented Professor Akpome with a token of appreciation, embodying the spirit of ubuntu that underpins MSU’s values.
As MSU continues its 25th-anniversary celebrations under the theme, “Celebrating 25 Years of Excellence in Developing Minds, Inspiring Innovation, and Shaping Destiny,” events like this public lecture reaffirm its role as a trailblazer in higher education.
With its rich history and forward-looking vision, Midlands State University remains a shining example of how education can transform societies and inspire generations.