Mugabe was never awarded any degree from the London School of Economics

The London School of Economics on Monday refuted claims by a Zimbabwean cabinet minister that President Robert Mugabe holds an economics degree from the prestigious institution.

Indigenization Minister Patrick Zhuwao - a nephew of Mr. Mugabe - bragged last week that his uncle was best qualified to manage Zimbabwe's crumbling economy because of his educational portfolio in economics.  

"My boss has a Master's degree in economics from the London School of Economics," Zhuwao told an indigenization conference in Harare. "So, don't think you can lecture us about economics, we understand it."

But the London School of Economics took notice and issued a statement denying ever schooling the long-ruling Zimbabwean leader.

"We have searched our records carefully and can find no record of Robert Mugabe having been awarded any degree from the London School of Economics and political Science," a University spokesperson said in a brief statement.

"President Mugabe may hold an economics degree from another London Institution, but certainly not LSE."

Information obtained online, if accurate, indicates Mr. Mugabe holds an economics degree from the University of London, which he obtained by correspondence.

Studio 7 was unable to get comment from Minister Zhuwao.

Mr. Mugabe's government stands accused of running down Zimbabwe's once-vibrant economy with ill-fashioned and self-serving policies that have alienated investors over the years.

These include the indigenization regulations that compel foreign firms to cede a 50 percent stake to black locals and the expropriation of white-owned commercial farms without compensation.