Mugabe to be honoured with $1bn university

Zimbabwe's cash-strapped government plans to spend $1bn (£770m) on building a university to honour President Robert Mugabe, 93.

Construction would cost $800m, with $200m for an "endowment fund for research and innovation," Higher Education Minister Jonathan Moyo said at a press conference, Reuters news agency reports. 

"There can be no better recognition of President Mugabe's commitment to education and his exemplary leadership," Mr Moyo added. 

The cabinet approved the money for the Robert Gabriel Mugabe University to be built in Mazowe, north of the capital Harare, the state-owned Herald newspaper reported. Mr Moyo has tweeted a statement, which says that Mr Mugabe and his wife Grace will be trustees of the university:

Press Statement on the establishment of The Robert Gabriel Mugabe University & its incubation plan to be done by UZ!https://t.co/HRY5MLRTvp pic.twitter.com/hVPOz8FpIi

— Prof Jonathan Moyo (@ProfJNMoyo) August 9, 2017

Mr Mugabe has ruled Zimbabwe since 1980, and has been campaigning for re-election next year. 

The opposition accuses him of being one of Africa's most repressive rulers, but his supporters say he is a revolutionary fighting to improve the lives of black people.

BBC