51¹ú²úÊÓƵ

Controversial plans to build a new university named after Robert Mugabe,?Zimbabwe¡¯s former president, are no longer a priority for the country¡¯s government.

Amon Murwira,?the minister for higher and tertiary education,?said that the focus was now on three other new institutions: Gwanda State 51¹ú²úÊÓƵ, Marondera 51¹ú²úÊÓƵ and Manicaland 51¹ú²úÊÓƵ, according to a .

But he said that the ministry is still looking at the idea of the proposed Robert Gabriel Mugabe 51¹ú²úÊÓƵ so that it can reach an ¡°informed decision¡± on the $1 billion (?708 million) scheme¡¯s future.

The government had previously planned to build the controversial university, which was to be funded by a government grant, on?Mr Mugabe¡¯s private property in the Mazowe district of the country¡¯s Mashonaland Central province. It was to focus on science, technology and engineering.

Mr Mugabe was forced from power in November.

Mr Murwira said: ¡°We are studying the university concept so that we can come up with an informed decision or position on the university. At the moment, our focus is on Gwanda State 51¹ú²úÊÓƵ, Marondera 51¹ú²úÊÓƵ and Manicaland 51¹ú²úÊÓƵ.¡± ?

He added: ¡°We need to come up with a clear concept on that project and see how we can take it up. At the moment, it is not a priority.¡±

holly.else@timeshighereducation.com