Some Zimbabweans have slammed government's approval of the construction of a one billion dollar Robert Gabriel Mugabe University, saying it's a waste of meager resources.
Responding to Cabinet's approval of the project expected to be constructed in Mazowe, Mashonaland Central province, several local people claimed that the university is designed to create wealth for the Mugabe family instead of being a national asset in furthering Zimbabweans' educational needs.
One of the critics, George Makoni, deputy chairperson of Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition, said it is "clear that the Mugabes want to boost their wealth by setting up this project."
His sentiments were echoed by Zimbabwe National Students Union secretary general Zvikomborero Haruzivishe and president 9f the Democratic Party Wurayayi Zembe, who added that the Mugabes should abandon the project, which is in bad taste as millions of Zimbabweans are struggling to make ends meet due to economic stagnation.
They linked the project to the recent eviction of several peasant families from Arnold Farm and surrounding areas.
But Higher Education Minister Jonathan Moyo and his deputy Dr. Godfrey Gandiwa insist that the state has made the right move to back the proposed project expected to cost billions of dollars.
They claim that President Mugabe has played a key role in educating Zimbabweans.
The proposed Robert Gabriel University will offer masters degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Professor Moyo has been spearheading the STEM program following his appointment as higher education minister.