Rwanda

30 November 2024

Building Synergy: Preparing Engineers for Real-World Challenges

November 7

Experts at the Global Engineering Conference in Kigali emphasized the need for engineering education reform to align academic curricula with the dynamic needs of the workforce, particularly for tackling Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Project-based learning, upskilling initiatives, and cross-sector partnerships were highlighted as essential in equipping engineers to solve contemporary global challenges. Calls were also made to increase female representation and foster international recognition of engineering qualifications across Africa. Read more.

Rwanda Strengthens Support for International Students with New Guidelines

November 9

Rwanda’s Higher Education Council introduced new guidelines to enhance the experience of international students, requiring higher learning institutions to create dedicated support offices. These measures include ensuring students have the financial capacity to cover all educational expenses. International student enrollment in Rwanda surged to 9,109 in 2024, up from 1,400 in 2017. Read more

Rwandan Student Awarded Prestigious Rhodes Scholarship for 2025

November 21

Chriss Tuyishime, a Yale University student, has been named a 2025 Rhodes Scholar, joining a global cohort of over 100 recipients recognized for academic excellence and leadership. His work spans global health policy, sustainable investment in Africa’s pharmaceutical industry, and innovative aid strategies. At Oxford, he plans to pursue graduate studies in translational health sciences and public policy to address health inequalities. Read more.

Rwandan Student Awarded Prestigious Rhodes Scholarship for 2025

November 21

Chriss Tuyishime, a Yale University student, has been named a 2025 Rhodes Scholar, joining a global cohort of over 100 recipients recognized for academic excellence and leadership. His work spans global health policy, sustainable investment in Africa’s pharmaceutical industry, and innovative aid strategies. At Oxford, he plans to pursue graduate studies in translational health sciences and public policy to address health inequalities. Read more.

 

31 October 2024

Rwanda’s Higher Education Adapts to Marburg Virus Outbreak

October 1, 2024

Mount Kigali University has suspended in-person classes due to a Marburg virus outbreak, marking the first such case in Rwanda. As of September 30, the health ministry reported ten deaths and 26 confirmed cases, prompting enhanced health measures and a shift to online learning. Other universities also implement strict hygiene protocols to ensure student safety. Read more.

Innovative Storage Solution Reduces Post-Harvest Losses in Rwanda

October 17, 2024

Claudine Kamanzi and her team from the Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture developed an energy-saving charcoal cooler to address the 60% post-harvest loss of tomatoes in Rwanda. Their project, FruiFresh, won the Wege Prize, demonstrating the potential to enhance food security by keeping produce fresh for up to two weeks without electricity. With community engagement and a focus on sustainable practices, the team aims to empower farmers and minimize waste across the agricultural sector. Read more.

 

30 September 2024

Rwanda Moves Classes Online Amid Marburg Outbreak Precautions

Mount Kigali University has suspended in-person classes as Rwanda faces its first Marburg virus outbreak, shifting students to online learning to prevent the spread. Health officials confirmed 26 cases and 10 deaths, prompting nationwide preventive measures, including hospital restrictions. Universities are reinforcing hygiene protocols and preparing for potential further actions as the outbreak develops. Read more

Rwanda Launches Hub for Bioeconomic Innovation

Rwanda has unveiled a state-of-the-art Bioeconomy Hub at the University of Rwanda’s Nyarugenge Campus, aimed at boosting transformative growth in the biotech sector. The facility, launched in partnership with UVU Bio, offers advanced labs and training programs to support collaboration between academia, industry, and entrepreneurs. Officials see this as a key driver for redefining Rwanda’s bioeconomy landscape. Read more

 

31 August 2024

University of Rwanda’s AI and IoT Training Cultivates Innovation and Commercialisation Skills

The University of Rwanda’s third AI and IoT training cohort, supported by the RISA Fund and various partners, equipped 60 innovators with skills to advance and commercialise their projects, culminating in a certificate ceremony. Read more

Degree recognition rules tightened up amid forgery concerns

Rwanda’s Higher Education Council tightened degree recognition rules due to rising forgery concerns, requiring additional documents and thorough verification processes, leading to delays and criticism from applicants. Read more

 

31 July 2024

Courses cut by 33% amid substantial university reforms

The University of Rwanda has reduced its course offerings by 33% as part of broader reforms aimed at strengthening undergraduate foundations and improving resource allocation. The changes also include consolidating campuses but not merging colleges. Read more

 

30 June 2024

Rebuilding a higher education system after a genocide

After the 1994 genocide, Rwanda’s National University faced devastation but reopened in 1995, symbolizing resilience. Challenges included staff shortages and a diverse student body. Today, Rwanda boasts a growing higher education sector, fostering national healing and global engagement through expanded institutions and educational opportunities. Read more

 

30 April 2024

Exploring the Intersection of Education and Innovation in Kigali from May 29 – 31

Kigali to host eLearning Africa 2024, a major conference on digital education and skills development in Africa. The event brings together educators, policymakers, and innovators to discuss the role of technology in driving progress across the continent. From workshops to exhibitions, eLearning Africa 2024 aims to shape the future of African education in a digital age. More

 

31 March 2024

University of Rwanda Leader Praises Important Collaboration with Mastercard Foundation During Laptop Distribution Event

The University of Rwanda partnered with Mastercard Foundation to distribute laptops to students, enhancing their education and promoting digital literacy. The Vice Chancellor stressed responsible use, urging students to leverage these tools for academic growth. More

 

31 January 2024

Govt To Construct Rwf13bn Animal Treatment Facility

The government is building a Rwf13.3 billion Veterinary Laboratory Complex at the University of Rwanda, Nyagatare campus, in Eastern Province, to boost veterinary medicine, livestock production and technology. Read more

University of Kigali appoints Professor Ogechi Adeola as Deputy Vice-Chancellor Governing Body of the University of Kigali (UoK) has appointed Professor Ogechi Adeola, a Professor of Marketing, as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor – Academic (DVCA), effective January 11, 2024. Read more

University of Kigali appoints Professor Felix Maringe as Deputy Vice Chancellor…

The Governing Body of the University of Kigali (UoK) has appointed Professor Felix Maringe, formerly DVC Academics at UoK as the Deputy Vice Chancellor – Institutional Development, Research and Innovation (DVC-IDRI). Read more

University of Kigali Students Top Nov/Dec 2023 CPA Exams in Rwanda

University of Kigali (UoK) has once again taken the lead in enhancing professional capacity-building in Rwanda by producing the top performers nationally per subject/paper in the November/December 2023 Certified Public Accountants (CPA) exams. Read more

 

30 November 2023

Adventist University of Central Africa Graduates over 530 Students 

The Adventist University of Central Africa (AUCA) celebrated its 29th graduation on Sunday, November 12, conferring degrees upon 537 undergraduate and master’s students. Read more

Education Minister Calls on 8,321 Graduates to Tap Into New Technologies

Minister of Education Gaspard Twagirayezu urged graduates to stay curious and adaptable to be able to cope with the ever-growing technology. The call was made on 17 November 2023 during the 9th UR Graduation ceremony held in Musanze District, Northern Province. Read more

Laptop Distribution Stopped as Students Allegedly Sell Them

Students from the University of Rwanda (UR) are in a dilemma after the university halted the distribution of laptops meant to contribute to smooth learning and boost the quality of academics. Read more

Medical Students, Faculty to Benefit from New Centre

Postgraduate medical students in Rwanda stand to benefit from the new Africa-based L’Institut de Recherche Contre les Cancers de l’Appareil Digestif, or IRCAD, that will provide advanced training in minimally invasive surgery for professionals from across the continent. Read more

Ph.D. Candidate Conducts a Study on the Ability of Biochars to Purify Hospital Wastewater

A recent study was conducted to investigate the efficiency of carbonized materials commonly called biochars produced by cookstoves and from different agricultural wastes to remove pharmaceuticals and personal care products from hospital wastewater. Read more

Prof Beth Kaplin Receives the Frankfurt Conservation Award

Prof Beth Kaplin received the Frankfurt Conservation Award following her key role in conservation as the Director Centre of Excellence in Biodiversity and Natural Resources Management. Her Centre is the champion of knowledge promotion on biodiversity and natural resources for sustainable development. Read more

Russian and Ussr University Alumni Unite in Tanzania for the First African Forum

First African forum of graduates of local universities started on Wednesday, 8 November, TASS reported. More than one and a half hundred people gathered in Tanzania. Guests from Rwanda, Tunisia, Uganda, South Africa, Botswana and other countries of the continent came to Dar es Salaam. Read more

Unipod Rwanda Inauguration Marks a Milestone at UR Innovation Week 2023

Gaspard Twagirayezu, the Minister of Education on Friday November 10, inaugurated a University Innovation Pod (UNIPOD), a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) funded initiative, aimed at promoting innovation, inter-disciplinary research and nurture the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs in the University. Read more

Universities As Living Labs for Sustainable Innovation Linking Society, Academia

A diverse assembly of experts, visionaries, and students converged to explore the untapped potential of creating a culture of innovation on campus that seamlessly links society and academia. Read more

 

31 October 2023

Aceiot PhD Student Develops AI Platform to Provide Expert Advice to Farmers

Theofrida Maginga, a PhD candidate at the African Center of Excellence in Internet of Things (ACEIoT) at the University of Rwanda (UR) specializing in Embedded Computing Systems is in advanced stages of developing a ChatGPT-powered Swahili chatbot that will help smallholder farmers detect crop diseases quickly and easily. Read more

Adult Students Want Night Classes to Improve Qualifications

The recent introduction of several new Bachelor of Technology (BTech) qualifications by Rwanda Polytechnic, a public technical higher education institution, has given diploma holders the opportunity to upskill, but working adults, who are a key group of potential beneficiaries, have raised concerns about the accessibility of the programmes. Read more

Africa Science Olympiad Launched in Rwanda to Promote STEM Competition in Education

Ghanaian-based Organization ‘All Sciences Olympiad Foundation’ in partnership with Rwanda National Commission for UNESCO (CNRU) have on Thursday, October 12, 2023 launched a new program dubbed: ‘Africa Science Olympiad’ to advance Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in Education through capacity building and competitions. Read more

China to Ramp Up Support for Rwanda’s Vocational Education 

China is set to increase its support to Rwanda’s TVET sector, thanks to new moves where various institutions in the Asian country are linking up with their Rwandan counterparts for collaborations and partnerships on a national level. Read more

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Kick off Inspiring Orientation Week

A total of 300 students from all campuses of University of Rwanda (UR), in their first and second years are experiencing an eye-opening week at Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village (KCEV). Read more

Priorities of New ‘African University’ Lack Substance

There has been an explosion of new universities on the African continent in the past 20 years. During this time, Ethiopia, alone, established 60 new universities. Read more

Rwanda Polytechnic Mulls Evening, Weekend B-Tech Programs

As the application process continues for students interested in enrolling in the Bachelor of Technology (B-Tech) program offered by Rwanda Polytechnic (RP), concerns have arisen regarding the institution’s exclusive offering of daytime programs. Read more

Rwandan Students Develop Algorithms to Assess Land Use Using Satellite

Rwanda Space Agency (RSA) and China’s STAR.VISION Aerospace Limited (STAR.VISION) have completed the Algorithm Rideshare Programme, which involved the integration of AI algorithms aboard satellite WJ-1A. Read more

Students in Africa Are Among the Most Dissatisfied Globally

African universities score poorly on all metrics of student satisfaction save for online classroom experience where South African institutions scored higher than the global average, according to the 2023 Global Student Satisfaction Awards report just released. Read more

UNIZIK VC Partners ICDL for Accredited Test Centre in Rwanda

The Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Professor Charles Okechukwu Esimone, has met with the Management of (Africa) International Computer Driving License (ICDL) at the headquarters in Kigali for partnership with the University to set up Accredited Test Center (ATC)… Read more

UR, International Vaccine Institute Empower Students with Insights on Vaccine Development, Medicine Financing 

Medical Students, Lecturers, And Researchers At The University Of Rwanda (UR) Gathered At The College Of Medicine And Health Sciences (CMHS) Remera Campus For A Hybrid Public Lecture On “Vaccine Development And Medicine Financing” Held On Thursday, October 5. Read more

 

30 September 2023

Academics Call for Greater Role of Media in Social Justice

Media practitioners and communicators have been challenged to take an active role in promoting social justice through their work. Read more

Book Interrogates Pathways to Address Challenges in HE

A new thrust towards the search for the identity of African universities has been undertaken by 16 scholars, who have been probing how African academia could construct a progressive future that would address rampant challenges within the sector. Read more

How Afretec Program is Improving Quality of Engineering, Technology Education… 

The rapid change in technologies around the world often makes it hard for academic institution curricula to keep up with the pace yet technology and engineering education plays a paramount role in tackling socio-economic challenges. Read more

ALU Wins 2023 EAC University Championships

The African Leadership University (ALU) Rwanda has won the 5th East African Universities debating Championship (EAUDC) held in Kigali from 1st- 3rd September 2023 aimed at engaging youth in regional integration and holding leaders accountable. Read more

Chinese Companies Host Job Fair for Rwandans Who Graduated in China 

Around 300 Rwandans who graduated from Chinese universities were on, Saturday, September 9, invited for a job fair where 30 Chinese companies sought to hire some of them. Read more

Law Students Banned from Sitting for Bar Examination

The Cameroon Bar Association has urged the country’s government to find a lasting solution to the predicament faced by Cameroonian law students who are studying in Rwanda, but who have been refused the opportunity to sit for the Rwandan bar’s exams. Read more

Researchers Highlight Benefits of Clean Cooking Technologies

The important role of academic institutions in ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all under SDG 7 was underscored during the Africa Climate Summit held in Nairobi, Kenya, from 4-6 September 2023. Read more

Rethink the Format of Student Dissertations, Urge Academics

The rationale for and format of final-year academic dissertations require a rethink, some academics and educators in Rwanda have said, also questioning the relevance and quality of these research outputs which are required for graduation in many higher education systems. Read more

Rwanda Polytechnic Introduces Six New Vocational Training Courses 

Following the establishment of bachelor’s degree program, or Bachelor of Technology (BTech) for technical and vocational education and training (TVET) colleges last year, former graduates now stand a chance to advance their education further. Read more

University of Rwanda Joins Australia Africa Universities Network 

The University of Rwanda (UR) is now part of the Australia Africa Universities Network (AAUN), a network of leading universities in Australia and Africa connecting researchers and academics under institutional partnership. Read more

UR On Spot Over ‘Excluding’ SMEs from Its Tenders

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Parliament has stated that the University of Rwanda (UR) should not exclude Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) or start-ups from participating in public procurement opportunities. Read more

 

31 August 2023

Aviation University Graduates More Than 1,550 Professionals

Ethiopian Aviation University, the largest aviation university in Africa, graduated today 1,551 professionals, about 100 from other African countries. The university graduated 160 pilots, 458 aircraft maintenance technicians, 702 cabin crews, 69 hotel operation professionals and customer service agents. Read more

Cheers as University Resumes Giving Laptops to Poor Students

Notwithstanding Ernestine Uwimana’s hope for a better future after joining the University of Rwanda, her first academic year was marred by frustrations as she struggled to complete all the assignments and academic activities on time. Read more

Demand for Higher Education Keeps Growing

Today being International Labour Day Education Times tackles an interesting subject; the pursuit for higher education beyond Rwanda’s borders. The increasing competition on the job market has literally forced those in offices to step out of their comfort zones in search of better qualifications. Read more

Governments Should Value the Teaching Profession

The education sector on the African continent faces various challenges, some of which always recur. They include funding, strikes and protests, poor education systems (the leading challenge), weak education policies and socio-economic issues. Read more

Green Buildings: A Sustainable Path to Student Housing?

The increase in African urbanisation and shortage of campus accommodation due to the growth of the student population are making the adoption of green building practices an environmentally friendly and sustainable path to resilient, affordable housing. Read more

Medical Students from War-Torn Sudan Arrive in Rwanda

Students from the University of Medical Sciences and Technology (UMST) in Khartoum, Sudan, who fled the country after conflict erupted in April, will be able to continue their studies in Rwanda. Read more

Mount Kenya University Rwanda Alumni Urged to Collect Certificates After Waiver

Past graduands of the former Mount Kenya University Rwanda (MKUR) campus (renamed Mount Kigali University) yet to collect their certificates can now do so. This is after the institution waived all accrued storage penalties. Read more

Prospects for Better Living Conditions for Students Look Bleak

Every day, Monique Uwizeye walks about 4km from her home to the Nyarugenge-based College of Science of Technology (UR-CST), one of the colleges of the University of Rwanda. Read more

Rwanda Second in Africa in Online Business Courses Enrolment

Rwanda comes second in Africa when it comes to signing up for online business courses, according to a new report by Coursera, one of the world’s largest online skills and training providers. Read more

Scheme Helps Women Scientists to Juggle Work and Family

Phoebe Kalelwa Murunga, a master’s student in environmental studies at Kenyatta University in Kenya, had to interrupt her postgraduate studies for about a year after she fell pregnant and had her baby. Read more

Sub-Saharan Africa Leads Enrolments in Professional Courses

The Sub-Saharan African region has the highest year-on-year average growth rate in the world in the number of people enrolling for professional certificate courses, a new study by a global trainer has found. Read more

Sudanese Academic on Expanding Medical University to Rwanda

Rwanda welcomed over 200 Sudanese students from the University of Medical Sciences and Technology (UMST) of Khartoum, Sudan, on August 2 to complete their studies following the current insecurities in their country. Read more

University of Rwanda to Graduate Over 9,000

A total of 9,050 students from the University of Rwanda’s six colleges are set to graduate on Friday, August 27 in an event that will be held virtually. Read more

 

31 July 2023

AHF Takes Condoms to Rwanda Universities to Fight AIDS 

AIDS HealthCare Foundation (AHF) with support of the government of Rwanda is making it easy for University students to access condoms as part of a dedicated fight against HIV/AIDS. Read more

AI Can Help HE, But Guidelines for Ethical Usage Are Needed

Higher education institutions should be prepared to adopt, absorb, and utilise artificial intelligence (AI). This is according to Rwanda’s Minister of Education, Dr. Valentine Uwamariya, who spoke during the 14th Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) Annual Conference and Meeting in Kigali that ended on 28 June. Read more

Empowering Refugees Through Higher Education in Rwanda

Set in the oldest refugee camp in Rwanda, the Kepler Kiziba Campus provides learners like Mupenzi, Alice and Mawezo the opportunity to earn a university degree – and secure a brighter future. Read more

Kigali’s University Teaching Hospital Builds New Facility 

Kigali city skyline is embracing a new emerging magnificient iconic facility. University teaching hospital of Kigali/CHUK the biggest referal hospital in the country is building a new facility in Masaka, Kicukiro district. Read more

Mount Kenya University Wins Moot Court Competition in Rwanda

Kiambu-based Mount Kenya University (MKU) has emerged as the overall winner of the just-concluded regional human rights moot competition held in Kigali, Rwanda this week. Read more

Team Rwanda 2023: The Project Begins

As part of our university’s commitment to providing meaningful volunteering opportunities and promoting social responsibility overseas, in summer 2020 we launched Team Rwanda, our international volunteering project exclusively for our students. Read more

Thousands of Delegates Meet in Kigali For International Congress for Conservation Biology Co-Hosted by CoEB

The Center of Excellence in Biodiversity and Natural Resource Management, University of Rwanda is co-hosting the 31st International Congress for Conservation Biology (ICCB 2023) from July 23-27, 2023 in Kigali. Read more

University of Rwanda Tips Beekeepers on Smart Hive Tech

The University of Rwanda’s African Center of Excellence in Internet of Things (ACEIoT), conducted a specialized training session for beekeepers associated with beekeeping cooperatives in Huye and Nyaruguru districts from July, 21 to 23. Read more

UR and Stakeholders Bring Together Global Experts to Discuss Peace Education

Hundreds of researchers, academics, policy makers, and civil society representatives are convened at the University of Rwanda for a 3 day international conference on peace education. Read more

 

31 May 2023

Jack Ma Appointed Visiting Professor at Rwanda’s African Leadership University

The African Leadership University (ALU) in Kigali has appointed Jack Ma, the founder of Alibaba Group and Jack Ma Foundation, as a visiting professor. This move is expected to inspire young African entrepreneurs and equip them with the skills needed to dream big and pursue their entrepreneurial aspirations … Read more

UR, CMU Launch Automatic Road Traffic Crash Data Management System Project 

University of Rwanda (UR) through its African Centre of Excellence in Data Science (ACE-DS) in partnership with Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) have launched a project on automatic Road Traffic Crashes Data Management System to ensure evidence-based Road Safety (AutoRTC-DMS). Read more

 

30 April 2023

‘Academic Programmes Should Be Designed Around Market Needs’

Seasoned don Dr Papias Musafiri Malimba was recently appointed deputy principal for academics and research at the East African Christian College (EACC) in Kabuga, Kigali. Read more

Academics and Legal Experts Meet to Discuss the Status and Quality of Legal Education in Rwanda

The University of Rwanda under the championship of School of Law organized the 6th Interface Workshop which brought together academics and researchers from UR School of Law and stakeholders in legal and justice sector in Rwanda and abroad. Read more

ADEA, EU Parliament Set for Conference on Education Policies on Foundational Learning

The Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA) and the European Union (EU) Parliament RENEWPAC group have concluded plans for a conference on education policies in Africa, focusing on foundational learning. Read more

Experts in Social Work Meet to Revamp Existing Curriculum to Fit for the Future

Academics and researchers from Oxford Brookes University in the UK in collaboration with their counterpart from Five East African universities are convened at the University of Rwanda to share ideas around the decolonization of the curriculum in Social Work. Read more

Govt Launches Bootcamp to Increase Female Students in STEM

The Ministry of Education (MINEDUC) on Saturday launched a six-day boot camp aimed at increasing the number of female students pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) in higher institutions. Read more

MKU Rwanda Campus Accredited

Mount Kenya University (MKU) Rwanda Campus has been granted full accreditation to operate in the foreign country as a fully pledged university. According to a cabinet meeting held in Kigali and headed by President Paul Kagame, the sitting approved a request by the university to have it established as an accredited institution… Read more

Mount Kenya University Rwanda Gets Accredited

The Government of Rwanda has granted Mount Kenya University Rwanda (MKUR) full accreditation to operate as a fully-fledged university. The accredited institution will launch as Mount Kigali University (MKU). Read more

Rwandan Student Urges US Policymakers to Strengthen Partnerships with African Universities

A Rwandan student on Friday, April 14, encouraged US policymakers and Silicon Valley leaders to strengthen their partnerships with African universities and help skill up the next generation of African change makers. Read more

The Campus in the Camp: Restoring Hope for Refugee Students

It is a busy Friday inside Kiziba Camp in Rwanda as refugees are attending different activities. Francine Izabayo sits inside one of the classrooms revising courses. She is a refugee student and attends all her classes inside the camp. It is a campus within the camp known as Kepler Kiziba. Read more

UR Partners with Stakeholders to Launch M.Sc. And Ph.D. Program in Biotechnology

The University of Rwanda witnessed the launch of M.Sc. and Ph.D. program in Biotechnology. This program was developed in a joint support by European Union Delegation to Rwanda through Enabel ; a Belgian Development Agency in Rwanda. Read more

Why Mount Kenya University Rwanda leads in hospitality

The practical approach adopted by Mount Kenya University Rwanda (MKUR) where hospitality students are exposed to various field trips has seen the institutions recognised as one of the best in the country. Read more

University of Rwanda Starts Masters, Ph.D. Programmes in Biotech

University of Rwanda, on April 5, launched new Masters and PhD programmes in Biotechnology to ensure sustainable local production and improved access to quality assured vaccines, medicines and health technologies. Read more

Why Mt Kenya University Renamed Its Kigali Campus 

Mount Kenya University’s Kigali Campus has been renamed to Mount Kigali University after receiving a charter from the Rwandan government. The privately-owned institution of higher learning, boasting more than 6,000 students, now joins the list of fully-fledged universities in the country. Read more

 

31 March 2023

Afghan Girls Relocate to Rwanda to Continue Their Education: IOM and SOLA Partnership

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is supporting the relocation of Afghan girls to Rwanda to continue their education, following the decision by the de facto authorities to ban women and girls from secondary and tertiary education in Afghanistan. Read more

Data-Driven Incubation Hub Launched at UR

A new data driven incubation hub that seeks to transform students’ ideas into solutions that can be of importance in the country and beyond, has been launched at the African Centre of Excellence in Data Science (ACE-DS) located at the headquarters of the University of Rwanda (UR) in Kigali. Read more

Experts Make Case for Reshaping Education to Spur 4th Industrial Revolution 

Over 300 researchers, scholars, academicians, educational practitioners, policy makers and postgraduate students have reiterated the need for re-thinking holistic education, strengthening academic staff research skills for sustainable development and 4th industrial revolution. Read more

KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Five-Year Partnership with Local Institutions

The Swedish KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Rwanda Polytechnic, Rwanda Development Board (RDB), National Council for Science and Technology (NCST)and the University of Rwanda have signed a partnership agreement that is expected to improve scientific research competencies, technology transfer, business research and innovation. Read more

MDU is Gearing Up Its Efforts in the International Market

This year marks the 20th anniversary of research cooperation initiatives between Rwanda and Sweden. Fourteen Swedish and six African higher education institutions are involved, together with SIDA (Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency) and will work together to educate Rwandan researchers in a number of areas. Read more

Ministers Hear Africa has Made Limited Progress Towards SDGs

African countries have been urged to harness science, innovation, and state-of-the-art emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence in the coming 10 years to achieve the objectives of sustainable development. Read more

New Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy Lab Unveiled at UR-Remera Campus

Minister of Health, Dr Sabin Nsanzimana flanked by UR and MINEDUC officials inaugurate the new physiotherapy and occupational therapy laboratory in Remera Campus
The University of Rwanda-College of Medicine and Health Sciences (UR-CMHS) inaugurated a new physiotherapy and occupational therapy laboratory. Read more

Rwanda To Establish Forensic Science Curriculum 

Rwanda Forensic Laboratory (RFL) says it is discussing with local universities on integrating forensic science as a basic course for students to have overview on forensic services provided in the country and in Africa. Read more

The Campus in The Camp: Restoring Hope for Refugee Students

It is a busy Friday inside Kiziba Camp in Rwanda as refugees are attending different activities. Francine Izabayo sits inside one of the classrooms revising courses. She is a refugee student and attends all her classes inside the camp. It is a campus within the camp known as Kepler Kiziba. Read more

The Exploitation of Female Students: Be Part of the Answer

A recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention survey found that 18% of teenagers in high school in the United States had experienced sexual assault in the previous year. A BBC documentary called #SexForGrades found widespread evidence of young women being pressured into sex by lecturers in universities in Nigeria and Ghana. Read more

TVETs to Start Offering Bachelor Degrees in Selected Fields

Students from Rwanda’s Integrated Polytechnic Regional Colleges (IPRCs) as well as former graduates now stand a chance to advance their education following an announcement by government that technical and vocational education and training (TVET) colleges will also be offering Bachelor of Technology (BTech) qualifications. Read more

UN Agency Helps Afghan Girls Relocate to Rwanda to Further Education

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) said Friday it is supporting the relocation of Afghan girls to Rwanda to continue their education. Read more

UNIBEN Wins Africa Outstanding University Award in Rwanda

The University of Benin has won the Africa Outstanding University Award of the Year for 2023 in Rwanda. Read more

University of Kigali Graduates Over 1,800

Over 1,800 graduates from the University of Kigali and their families on Friday, March 3, gathered for the graduation ceremony held at Intare Conference Arena in Gasabo district. Read more

UR Celebrates 20 Years of Bilateral Research Cooperation Between Rwanda and Sweden

The University of Rwanda in collaboration with the Embassy of Sweden to Rwanda held a celebration mega event of 20 years of bilateral research cooperation between Rwanda and Sweden under UR-Sweden Program. Read more

UR Hosts a Science Diplomacy Dialogue for an Evidence-Based

UR hosted a one-day workshop on Science diplomacy Dialogue organized by the International Network for Government Science Advice (INGSA). Read more

 

28 February 2023

Medical Students Must Talk about sleep problems

Vérité Cyubahiro Karangwa rarely has an easy day, thanks to his tight academic schedule. The third-year medical student from the University of Rwanda says his studies are so demanding that he has time for little else. Read more

Mount Kenya University Rwanda Launches Memoir, Unveils New Hotel Name

Mount Kenya University Rwanda (MKUR) on Friday, February 10, launched a book that documents its journey in the country and the successes it has recorded. At the launch of the memoir titled “Mountain Meets Land of a Thousand Hills,” the university management announced plans to open a hospitality training hotel. Read more

New CMHS Principal Vows to Uphold College’s Values and Consolidate Its Successes

Yesterday, the Vice Chancellor presided over the handover between the outgoing Principal of the College of Medicine and Health Science Assoc. Prof Jeanne Kagwiza and incoming Principal Prof. Abraham Haileamlak Mitike. Read more

Students Finish Winter Break in Rwanda, Learn Lessons from Nation’s Reconciliation

Three faculty and 35 students from online and residential programs in Liberty University’s John W. Rawlings School of DivinitySchool of Education, and the College of Arts & Sciences traveled to Rwanda from Jan. 6-17 where they heard incredible testimonies of forgiveness … Read more

Why Heritage Matters: Mount Kenya University Rwanda Public Lecture 

Africans should embrace and be proud of the continent’s heritage. The value of the heritage is evident, given the many artefacts that were looted during colonization and are now displayed in foreign museums. Read more

 

31 January 2023

ASUU Demands Increase in Education Tax To 10%

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has asked the federal government to increase the Education Tax from the current 2.5 per cent to 10 per cent to enable Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to mobilise more funds to adequately address the decay and challenges confronting the tertiary education sub-sector. Read more

CHUK Relocation Construction Ongoing

University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK) will relocate from its current site in Nyarugenge District to Masaka Hospital in Kicukiro District.Dr Tharcisse Mpunga, the director general of CHUK, confirmed the relocation plans but mentioned that details are being handled by the Ministry of Health. Read more

Confusion Over Delayed University of Kigali Graduation

Over 1,400 students from the University of Kigali (UoK) who were supposed to graduate on Friday, December 2 are in confusion following unexplained delays which the University and High Education Council (HEC) have failed to answer. Read more

Government Gets Tough on the Repayment of Student Loans

The government of Rwanda has intensified its efforts to recover study loans from former beneficiaries, which it urgently needs to continue disbursing millions of francs in funds to academically deserving students who may need financial support for their higher education. Read more

Govt to Build TVET Centre of Excellence in Every District

Following a fund secured from the Korean Exim Bank, the Ministry of Education through the Rwanda TVET Board (RTB) has kicked off with a feasibility study phase to establish TVET Centres of Excellence in all 30 districts of the country. Read more

Most Medical Students in Rwanda Suffer “Poor Sleep Quality”

New research by local scholars has found that medical students in Rwanda sleep 5.5 hours per night on average, as they dedicate much of the time to their intensive academic schedules. Read more

New VC Determined to Improve the Quality of TVET Graduates

Eight months ago, Dr Sylvie Mucyo became the first woman to lead the biggest academic institution, Rwanda Polytechnic (RP), that brings together eight Integrated Regional Polytechnics Centres (IPRCs). Created seven years ago, RP was tasked to implement technical and vocational education and training (TVET) skills development across the country, produce quality graduates and create more jobs. Read more

Open Access Publishing Deal for Low-, Middle-Income Countries

Academics based in 70 low- and middle-income countries, including those in Africa, Asia and the Middle East, will be able to have their primary research published Gold Open Access by Nature – at no cost – thus enabling their scientific work to be permanently and freely available online for anyone to read. Read more

Samford University in Partnership with East African Christian College 

Samford University has initiated an early-stage partnership with East African Christian College, a new higher education institution based in Kigali.The two universities are exploring opportunities to cooperate and collaborate in a variety of ways,… Read more

University of Kigali Explains Delay of 7th Graduation Event

The management of the University of Kigali has come out to clarify the reasons behind the postponement of their seventh graduation ceremony, which had earlier been slated for December 2, 2022. Read more

University of Rwanda Launches Incubator Project to Promote AI 

The University of Rwanda through African Center of Excellence in Internet of Things (ACEIoT) launched ‘IoT and AI Applied Research Results Commercialization through Incubation Hub’ project on January 24, following a $326,000 grant secured to implement it. Read more

University of Rwanda Refutes Claims of “Long Break”

The University of Rwanda (UR)has refuted social media claims of its students returning to colleges in September, which would have been the longest holiday ever, with nine months. Read more

Universities Struggle to Meet 30% Target of Staff with PhDs

Universities in Rwanda are struggling to meet the target of the Higher Education Council (HEC) determining that 30% of academic and teaching staff members should be PhD holders. Read more

UR & KSU Relations Gain Momentum with the Creation of Kent State University…

The University of Rwanda (UR) and Kent State University (KSU) held an inauguration ceremony of Kent State University Centre. The creation of the Centre builds on existing collaboration in the areas of peace and conflict studies under the Centre of Conflict Management of UR and the School of Peace & Conflict Studies of KSU. Read more

UR and NTU Seal Partnership to Accelerate Learning Through Technology

During their visit at the University of Rwanda, Professor Timothy John White and Professor Wander from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) from Singapore, were shown around. Read more

UR, Kent State University Launch Partnership

Kent State University and the University of Rwanda (UR) have launched a partnership that is expected to improve teaching and connect students, faculties, and researchers. Read more

Will Presidential Candidates Deliver on Their HE Promises?

On 25 February 2023, Nigeria will hold its seventh general election since its return to democracy in 1999. Analysts say this is one of the country’s most highly anticipated elections in history, with more than 93 million voters enlisted to vote, according to data by the Independent National Electoral Commission, the country’s electoral umpire. Read more

 

31 December 2022

African Scholars and Their Impact Need to be More Visible

“Agroecological intensification; reducing chemical inputs while building soil health and microorganisms; fostering diversification, alongside social and political transformations needed to guarantee equity in food systems, must be ramped up urgently to create resilient food systems…Read more

Common Mental Disorders an ‘Enormous’ Burden on Students

To what extent are common mental disorders among university students in Sub-Saharan Africa contributing to academic failure, effectively leading to skills shortages and mismatches in human resources and capacity with the labour market needs in the region? Read more

MKU Rwanda Voted ‘Best Hospitality Training Institution’

Mount Kenya University Rwanda (MKUR) has been voted the country’s best training institution in hospitality and tourism.The announcement was made on December 3 during an awarding ceremony of the “Rwanda Tourism Excellence Awards 2022. Read more

Rwanda, Poland Universities Launch Partnership

Eight universities from Poland have entered partnership or expressed their interest to work with Rwandan universities in areas of scholarship and exchange or research and expertise. Read more

Specialist Training of Health Workers is Urgent

Some universities in Eastern and Southern African countries have programmes for health workers offering advanced degrees that are not accredited by professional bodies, a situation that is misleading to potential candidates who would want to be recognised as specialists in their fields. Read more

Students Favour Digital Resources to Boost Quality Education

Students and teachers in the democratic republic of the congo (drc) can, for the first time, access a free online library after the ministry of education launched the national digital library in a bid to boost the availability of educational resources, books and scientific articles for teaching staff and students. Read more

 

30 November 2022

2023 YALI East Africa Regional Leadership Program Cohorts 49, 50 & 51 for Young Leaders in East & Central Africa …

The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) was launched by former President of the United States Barack Obama as a signature effort to invest in the next generation of African Leaders. Read more

Confucius Institute Holds Rwandan-Chinese Cultural Seminar

The Confucius Institute at the University of Rwanda’s College of Education, Remera campus on Saturday held a knowledge seminar to raise awareness of the similarities and differences between Rwandan and Chinese cultures. Read more

Govt Mulls Special Fund to Boost TVET Education

A study aimed at developing a comprehensive analysis of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) landscape in Rwanda has been launched. Read more

Government to Assist Varsity Students Turn Research Ideas into Solutions

University of Rwanda (UR) is partnering with other institutions to come up with an initiative for assisting final-year students turn their research ideas into innovative solutions. Read more

Linguists Cautiously Back ‘Official’ National Languages

African linguists have voiced support, with a need for caution, over a proposal adopted by several African countries to give their national languages the same status as official ‘colonial’ languages such as French and English. Read more

MPS Raise Concern Over ‘Fake Universities’ 

The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) has requested support for the regional university council to set proper education standards or risk the region being flooded with graduates who have no skills and unemployment. Read more

New Observatory an Asset for Mitigating Climate Change

The Regional Research Observatory on the Environment and Climate (RROEC) has been inaugurated in Djibouti in a bid to produce data and climate models to inform political decisions on climate adaptation and resilience for the country and across the East African region. Read more

Ngirente Announces Reforms to Improve University of Rwanda Funding Model 

Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente has said that the government has, since September this year, embarked on reforms designed to improve University of Rwanda’s funding model. Read more

Over 10,000 Students Asked to Correct IDs to Access Exam Results

Over 10,000 candidates who sat for 2021/2022 advanced-level national exams completing Senior six of general education, Teacher Training Colleges (TTCs) and TVET have been asked to correct errors on their national IDs before the ministry of education releases the exam results. Read more

Planetary Health is a Roadmap to Transdisciplinary Action

Higher education institutions and their researchers can advance Planetary Health as a transdisciplinary solutions-oriented approach to tackle global challenges such as the consequences of climate change and health crises. Read more

PM Urges Graduates to be Agents of Positive Change by Upholding Ethical Values

The Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Edouard Ngirente challenged UR graduates to impact and transform lives in their respective communities. He said becoming the agents of positive change by upholding the ethical values acquired from university should be top among their ambitions. Read more

Region’s MPs Worry About ‘Quack’ Private Institutions

There is an urgent need for the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) and member states from the East African Community (EAC) to address the issue of poor quality of education, especially in private universities, if the region is to train future drivers of regional social economic development. Read more

Scarcity of Resources Hampers Education for Visually Impaired

Notwithstanding the progress made so far by the Rwandan government to promote inclusive education in higher learning education, Janvier Igirubuntu’s education journey has not been easy. He became visually impaired when he was in primary school and has always found it hard to study. Read more

UR Issues Degree Certificates, Transcripts on Graduation Day for the First Time

For the first time in its history, the University of Rwanda (UR) has issued degree certificates and academic transcripts on the graduation date. Read more

Young Agripreneurs are Changing the Face of Agriculture

Early this year, 22-year-old Ernest Mugisha, a student at the private Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture, was nominated for a global award for his work in agriculture. The award of US$100,000 is annually given to an excellent student who has made a tangible impact on learning, the lives of their cohorts and society in general. Read more

 

31 October 2022

At Least Three Officials Arrested in Connection with Serious Theft at IPRC Kigali 

The Principle of Integrated Polytechnic Regional College (IPRC) Kigali Mulindahabi Diogène has been arrested in connection with cases of serious theft and misappropriation of public fund. Read more

College Closed After Alleged Theft of Public Resources

The Rwanda Ministry of Education (MINEDUC) has ordered the temporary closure of a college in Kigali, Rwanda, to allow ongoing investigations into the alleged theft and misappropriation of public resources. Read more

Cornell University Graduates 127 Under Mastercard Foundation Hanga Ahazaza Initiative 

The Mastercard Foundation Hanga Ahazaza initiative in Rwanda has graduated 127 graduates who have been tasked to be at the center of promoting the country’s image of tourism and hospitality in their daily duties of welcoming visitors to Rwanda. Read more

Gender-Based Corruption Widespread in Universities

Gender-based corruption, including sex for grades practices, is widespread in higher education institutions in Rwanda and efforts to end the abuse should include public awareness campaigns and transparent internal mechanisms to deal with cases, according to a report by Transparency International Rwanda (TI-RW), a corruption watchdog. Read more

Jobless Graduates’ Frustrations a Call to Overhaul HE

African higher education planners have been urged to go back to the drawing board and design systems that would transform universities and polytechnics into attractive institutions that would educate the youth to become part of Africa’s industrial value chains and not for elitist non-existent jobs. Read more

Mineduc, Singaporean Tech University Sign Academic Exchange Deal

Starting next year, Rwandan students will be given opportunities to attend Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University, as part of a new partnership signed Friday, September 30. Read more

DRC Minister of Education Visits Inter-University Council for East Africa 

The Democratic Republic of Congo Minister of Higher Education, Muhindo Nzangi Butondo has on Monday visited the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) offices in Kampala. Read more

Rwandan Students to Pursue Careers at Nanyang Technological University

Rwanda government has entered a partnership agreement with the Nanyang Technological University which will see Rwandan Students begin pursuing various courses at the institution. Read more

Some Universities are Still not Engaging with Communities

Beyond their traditional mission of providing higher education through teaching and developing knowledge through scholarly research and scientific investigation, universities are increasingly reaching out to assist societies through various community outreach programmes. Read more

The Centre for Internet of Things to Partner with Private Sector to Materialize Research Findings

The African Centre of Excellence in Internet of Things (ACEIoT) has initiated discussions with the private sector to build collaboration mechanisms to materialize students’ research findings. Read more

Thirty Years of Hope and Higher Education for Refugees in West Africa 

After surviving a brutal rebel assault on the church where she worshipped, Ornella Banam escaped the civil war in Central African Republic in 2014, fleeing to Burkina Faso. Read more

Two University Lecturers Allegedly Solicited Money for Marks

The Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) has confirmed that two lecturers from one university in Rwanda stand accused of corruption after allegedly receiving money from students in exchange for marks. Read more

Two Varsity Dons to Appear in Court Over Corruption

Celestin Sebeza, and Francois Bagaragaza, who are accused of corruption will on Thursday, October 20, appear before Gicumbi Primary Court where they are expected to seek bail. Read more

University of Rwanda’s Centre of Excellence to Partner with Private Sector 

The African Centre of Excellence in Internet of Things (ACEIoT) which is based at the University of Rwanda, College of Science and Technology (UR-CST) has initiated discussions with the private sector to build collaboration mechanisms for the benefit of both parties. Read more

Universities, Tech Companies Discuss Collaboration on Skills Sharing, and Internet af Things Based Research 

Universities and tech companies have stressed a need for collaboration to improve sharing of knowledge, skills and research-based on Internet of things, or IoT, with students who aspire to be technology wizards across the continent. Read more 

Varsity Students Take Up Mental Health Awareness 

Clinical Psychology Students’ Association of Rwanda (CPSAR) are embarking on a month-long mental health campaign that will embark on fighting stigma associated with mental health illness. Read more

 

30 September 2022

Africa Higher Education Centres of Excellence for Development Impact (ACE Impact) to Reward Quality, Applied Research and Innovation

SIRA recognizes and promotes excellent research and innovation which responds to Africa’s developmental challenges. Read more

BRD Embarks on Fresh Measures to Boost Student Loan Repayment 

Establishing a database of employees who benefitted from university students’ loan schemes is at 90 percent. However, there are still difficulties in tracing beneficiaries working in the informal sector and those who are self-employed. Read more

Governance Systems Can Aid Seamless Leadership Transitions

Moments of leadership transition reveal much about the governance systems and processes in an organization. The more robust the institutional arrangements are, the more seamless the transition. Read more

HE has Role in Unlocking Green Growth on the Continent

The advancement of green growth in Africa has implications for education and training as well as research and innovation, ranging from rethinking how to mainstream the green growth approach into the formal education system, to developing the required human resources. Read more

Low Study Loan Recovery Could Affect Future Beneficiaries

The Rwandan government has invested billions of francs in a student loan scheme over the past four decades, but the low recovery of loans from university graduates could mean that fewer students get loans in the future. Read more

Mining and Minerals have had Limited Educational Benefits

The story of mineral discoveries and mining in Africa being a social curse for the continent is likely to persist after researchers at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank recently found no conclusive evidence of intergenerational mobility into higher education in most African countries and districts where extractions of mineral resources occur. Read more

PAC Reports Misuse of Public Funds in Education Institutions

The Rwanda parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) examined issues of public finance management, especially on lack of value for money, planning, and misuse of public funds, which affects the quality of education. Read more

Rich Chinese Culture Wows Fans in Rwanda

A crowd made up mainly of young people braved the scorching sun in the Rwandan capital of Kigali Friday visiting Chinese cultural exhibitions on display at the University of Rwanda, featuring items ranging from Chinese literature, calligraphy, dance music, traditional costume, cuisine to Chinese kung fu. Read more

Total Energies Moves to Provide Expertise to Energy Professionals to Curb Renewable Energy Challenges in Rwanda

Total Energies, a well renowned company specializing in renewable energy is set to provide expertise and skills to Rwandan energy professionals to improve the energy sector in Rwanda. This was highlighted during a kick off ceremony of a three-day series of lectures on renewable energy at the African Centre of Excellence in Energy for Sustainable Development. Read more

UR Brings Together Researchers and Activists for International Colloquium on Genocide Against the Tutsi

The University of Rwanda hosted an international colloquium around the theme “‘knowledge, sources and resources on the Genocide perpetrated against the Tutsi”. It is aimed at enhancing awareness and documentation of the Genocide against the Tutsi. Read more

UR GIS Centre Brings Together Researchers and Practitioners to Discuss Geospatial Technology…

For the 4th consecutive time, the Centre for Geographic Information System under the auspices of AfriCultuReS organized a hybrid workshop on geospatial technology. The event brought together researchers and practitioners from Rwanda and abroad to discuss ways to harness geospatial technology towards food security enhancement in Africa. Read more

Young Scientists Want Machine Learning Revolution in Africa

Cameroon national Loic Elnathan Tiokou Fangang concluded his masters degree in mathematical sciences at the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) earlier in 2022 and, as he awaits an opportunity to pursue a PhD in machine learning, he believes the dream of the institute’s founders – of producing the next Einstein – has already been accomplished. Read more

 

31 August 2022

African Seed Fund for Research and Education Launched by Imperial

Imperial has launched a wide-ranging new seed fund for research and education projects with partners in Africa.The College will provide funding for collaborations with partners at the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) and members of the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA). Read more

Bank Of Kigali Unveils Own Training Academy

The Bank of Kigali (BK), has launched its own academy that will enable the institution to build a skilled workforce that will not only have top banking skills but also enable the bank to live to its slogan of financially transforming lives. Read more

KSU and UR Team Up to Boost Students’ Knowledge in Peace Building and Conflict Studies

Thirteen (13) students accompanied by lecturers from Kent State University concluded a weeklong visit to the University of Rwanda. The visit was in a spirit to learn about Rwanda after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Read more

Makerere University to Open Campus in Rwanda

Makerere University Rwanda Alumni Association (MURWAA) seeks to start a campus in Rwanda as the institution celebrates 100 years of existence. According to Shukuru Bizimana Ruyondo, Chairman of MURWAA, they are set to work with partners, sponsors and Makerere University itself… Read more

Private HE Sector Should do More to Better Education Quality

The Higher Education Council (HEC) in Rwanda has said that poor leadership and management of private universities continues to affect the quality of their education and it has called on this sector to do more to reverse the trend. Read more

School Leadership Event in Sierra Leone Draws Experts Across Africa

Education Development Trust (EDT) co-hosted a knowledge exchange event last month, bringing together key stakeholders and policymakers from Sierra Leone’s education sector. Read more

Students from Africa May Soon Start to Return to China

China is preparing to welcome back students from Africa who have been unable to return to the country since they left following the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020. Read more

University Laboratory Offer to Help Farmers Improve Soil Quality

The University of Lay Adventist of Kigali (UNILAK) has promised to help Rwandan community turn around production of their arable land if they seek information on the composition of their soil properties and use it accordingly. Read more

University of Kigali’s Graduate School Hosts EMBA Workshop

The University of Kigali (UoK) Graduate School on July 30 hosted a one-day workshop for its Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) students. Read more

University of Rwanda Signs Historic Deal With MINISANTE

The University of Rwanda (UR) and the Ministry of Health have signed an agreement in which health professionals will get further training to conduct better diagnosis for complicated diseases. Read more

Universities Struggle to Traverse the Language Landscape

Experts in education have called on all universities in Rwanda to use English only as the language of instruction to help students to be more proficient when they graduate, function optimally in their workplaces and network internationally, if necessary. Read more

UR and Heilbronn University Students Move to Provide IT Solution to Societal Needs

At the University of Rwanda held presentations of innovative research projects from thirty-two (32) students from Heilbronn University and the University of Rwanda. Sixteen students travelled from German along with their supervisors to meet their UR counterparts as part of the existing partnership dubbed Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL). Read more

UR Vice Chancellor Opens International Narrative Therapy & Community Work Conference

Participants from over 30 Countries are attending an International Narrative Therapy & Community Work Conference hosted by the Center for Mental Health under the UR-College of Medicine and Health Sciences in partnership with Dulwich Center Foundation, SOS Children’s Villages Rwanda and Geruka Healing Centre. Read more

Vice Chancellor Calls on Staff to be More Proactive to Preserve the UR Legacy

Acting Vice Chancellor Dr. Muganga Kayihura Didas has called on members of staff to diligently apply their abundant knowledge and skills for community benefit through improvement of institutional performance. Read more

 

31 July 2022

100 Nuclear Science Graduates a Boost for Nuclear Science and Technology

100 Rwandans are set to graduate with various qualifications in the field of nuclear science and technology. This is a huge boost for the country’s nuclear sector. Read more

Africa Leadership University Launches Learning Hubs

The African Leadership University (ALU) has launched its Kigali Learning Hub in Rwanda. It comes after two previously launched in Nairobi, Kenya and Kampala, Uganda. Read more

A Trip to Ruhande, the Traditional Icon Of Rwanda’s Tertiary Education

Initially National University of Rwanda (NUR) since 1963, the University of Rwanda – Huye Campus sits on the hill of Ruhande, seven Kilometers from the border with Burundi in Southern Province. Read more

Ethiopia, Uganda and Rwanda Universities Join Forces to Strengthen Teaching, Research

The University of Gondar (Ethiopia), Makerere University Business School (Uganda) and the University of Kigali (Rwanda) are joining forces to strengthen teaching, learning and research capabilities. Read more

Kagame Appoints New Leaders for University of Rwanda 

President Paul Kagame has, on Saturday July 16, appointed Dr Didas Kayihura Muganga as the new Acting Vice-Chancellor for the University of Rwanda.Prior to his appointment, Muganga has been serving as Rector of the Institute for Legal Practice and Development (ILPD). Read more

Rwf6m Prize Awaits One Who Names Mount Kenya University Rwanda’s Training Hotel

Early this month, the university launched a naming competition open to its students, alumni and the general public. During the launch, MKUR Vice-Chancellor Designate Prof. Edwin Odhuno urged the institution’s students, alumni and the general public to participate in the competition. Read more

TVET Center of Excellence Gets Austria Funding

The contsruction of a Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Center located in Kigali Special Economic Zone is in the offing after the Governement of Rwanda signed a EURO 7.5 million (Approx Rwf7.5 billion) finance agreement with UNICREDIT Bank Austria. Read more

UR and Heilbronn University Students Move to Provide IT Solution to Societal Needs

At the University of Rwanda held presentations of innovative research projects from thirty-two (32) students from Heilbronn University and the University of Rwanda. Sixteen students travelled from German along with their supervisors to meet their UR counterparts… Read more

UR Pushes for Faculty on Nuclear Studies

The University of Rwanda says it is tabling a bill to parliament in August 2022, to allow for introducing a faculty in nuclear science and technology. The move, as per the institution, attempts to promote nuclear education and training, as well as assess opportunities for future cooperation between regional academic institutions. Read more

UoK Hosts Israeli Scholar for a Public Lecture

University of Kigali hosted Professor Dina Porat, a Scholar from Tel Aviv University and Academic Advisor of Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Memorial in Israel at a public lecture on 29th June, 2022. Read more

 

30 June 2022

7th ACE Impact Regional Workshop Officially Opened…

Professor Mrs. Eléonore Yayi Ladekan, the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research of the Republic of Benin officially opened the seventh regional workshop of the Africa Higher Education Centres of Excellence Project (ACE Impact) at Palais des Congre in Cotonou Benin on the 14th June 2022. Read more

48 Senior Officers Graduate from RDF Command and Staff Course 10 and UR Security Studies.

The Rwanda Defence Force Command and Staff College celebrated the graduation of the Senior of Command and Staff course 10. Read more

African Centres of Excellence Want to Secure Their Longevity

The World Bank-funded Eastern and Southern Africa Higher Education Centres of Excellence (ACE II) have raised millions of dollars to guarantee their sustainability. Read more

Loan Conditions Derail Rwf82bn TVET Project

A $81 million (about Rwf82 billion) project that would be financed by the loan from the Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank) has not yet started five years after the loan agreement was signed between Rwanda and the financier.

Newly Accredited College Focuses on Transferable Skills

Since its launch in 2004, Kepler has helped countless young Rwandans attend universities in the country. In April 2022, the cabinet accredited Kepler College. Jean d’Amour Mbonyinshuti of University World News (UWN) spoke to Professor Baylie Damtie, vice-chancellor of Kepler College, about the college’s academic focus and programmes as it enters a new phase in its institutional development. Read more

S3x-for-Marks: UniAbuja Dismisses Two Professors – VC 

The Vice-Chancellor, University of Abuja, Prof. Abdul-Rasheed Na-Allah, says the institution has gone tough on lecturers sexually harassing students, as two professors had been dismissed for the offence. Read more

Scientists Develop High-Tech Tools to Tackle Indoor Pollution

Scientists from the University of Rwanda in Kigali and Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda, have been developing a digital tool that could help families to monitor indoor air pollution – an innovation that could improve the health and well-being of affected communities as well as contribute to the use of cleaner energy. Read more

Students Stuck, Borders Close Due to Eastern Congo Conflict

Rwandan students who are enrolled in universities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) cannot reach their campuses because of border closures amid conflict in the east of the country and rising tensions between the DRC and Rwanda. The affected students are those who are based in or study in the Goma, which borders Rwanda. Read more

Students Stuck Without Funding After Technical Mix-Up

After more than four months of study supposedly financed by the Rwandan government, a group of at least 412 students have now been told that their loan applications had, in fact, not been successful. Read more

TVET National Practical Examinations Kick Off

TVET national practical exams have started today, June 27, and will run until July 15, according to the National Examination and School Inspection Authority (NESA). Read more

Ugandan Epidemiologist Appointed to UN University Council

Dr Catherine Kyobutungi is a Ugandan epidemiologist who mainly works in healthcare systems research and capacity-building. She began her career journey as a medical officer in rural Uganda before becoming a lecturer at Mbarara University of Science and Technology. Read more

UK Renowned University to Launch Africa Hub in Rwanda During CHOGM

Coventry University’s Africa Hub will be formally launched this month as world leaders gather for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Rwanda. Read more

University of Kigali Receives KASNEB Accreditation

University of Kigali (UoK) has received full accreditation from KASNEB, as an approved tuition center for professional courses which include Certified Investment & Financial Analyst (CIFA), Certified Public Accountants (CPA), Accounting Technician Diploma (ATD)… Read more

UR Brings Together Researchers and Industry Practitioners to Share Research Results on the Effect of COVID 19 on Economic Development

Around 100 academics, researchers and industry practitioners are gathered at UR for the 5th International Conference of East Africa Business and Economic Watch (EABEW) under the theme “Sustainable Development- a Post-Pandemic Future. Read more

Vital Shift Happening for Rwanda’s Social Science Community

It is widely known that African researchers are dramatically underrepresented in academic journals. But it’s still astonishing to see this reality starkly represented in numbers.

 

31 May 2022

Action Plan Aims to Equip Workforce With In-Demand Skills

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has launched its Skills for Employability and Productivity in Africa (SEPA) action plan for 2022-25, to bridge Africa’s skills gap, address skills mismatch and relevance on the back of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), climate change agenda and digital transformation in the labour market. Read more

AG: Jobs in Jeopardy Over Stalled Multibillion Education Projects

The delayed implementation of some multibillion projects in the education sector threatens to erode the country’s ambitions to spur job creation, according to the latest audit into state finances. Read more

Centres to Help Raise Generation of Digitally Savvy Leaders

The digital revolution has transformed labour skills market demands, compounding Africa’s pre-existing skills mismatch. Given the changing dynamics, acquiring skills in information and communications technology (ICT) has become critical for graduates. Read more

Council Raises Red Flag Over Online Education of Six Private Institutions

The Higher Education Council (HEC) in Rwanda has warned students who are enrolled in universities in other parts of the world that have not been accredited internationally to halt their studies and seek re-admission elsewhere, as they risk not obtaining equivalence once they graduate. Read more

Media Partners Mull Better University Curriculum for Journalism in Rwanda 

Different media outlets and university lecturers met recently to discuss how the curriculum of journalism studies in Rwandan universities, with many saying that it does not meet the current needs of the industry. Read more

Medical Students Contribute to Community Health and Welfare

Benoit Ndagijimana is a medical student at the University of Rwanda’s College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS) in Kigali who believes that his contribution towards the improvement of society should start while he is still a student. Read more

Meet David Mugiraneza, Winner of Rwanda Mathematics Competition

David Mugiraneza, a senior six student at Nu-vision high school emerged winner of the Rwanda Mathematics Competition that was finalised on May 20. Over 150 schools from all districts across the country took part in the competition. Read more

Mount Kenya University Opens Doors for All to Acquire English Language Skills 

The English laboratory at Mount Kenya University Rwanda (MKUR) is open to members of the public.This has been revealed by the university’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor designate in charge of academic research affairs, Dr. Catherine Wanjiku. Read more

Prof Lyambabaje Urges the University Community to Emulate Excellence as he Starts His Retirement

The University of Rwanda witnessed a handover ceremony between the outgoing Vice chancellor Prof Alexandre Lyambabaje & Prof Nosa Egiebor who will lead the university in acting capacity.

Six Students Win 9th Edition of Capital Market University Challenge at National Level 

The 9th edition of Capital Market University Challenge concluded with six university students-three in quiz category and three in essay category winning prizes at national level in an awarding ceremony that took place at Kigali Convention Centre… Read more

UCC Mathematicians Teach Master’s Students in Senegal

Academics from the School of Mathematical Sciences are educating a new generation of STEM leaders in the African country of Senegal. Read more

UR-Sweden Programme Commended for Impacting Communities Through Research

The Minister of Education has hailed a programme run by the University of Rwanda and the Swedish government saying that it has greatly contributed to Rwanda’s socio-economic transformation. Read more

UR-Sweden Program to Promote Research Culture for Socio-Economic Transformation

The UR-Sweden Programme has been hailed by the ministry of education for contributing to Rwanda’s socio-economic transformation over the past 20 years and the next five years through promoting research and PhD studies. Read more

Vaccine Manufacturing will Boost Development in Rwanda

Kreditanstalt Fur Wirtschaft (KFW) delegation visited the University of Rwanda on 4th May 2022 for a meeting that took place at UR headquarters to understand the existing landscape of efforts related to vaccine manufacturing workforce development in Rwanda including the involvement of TVET and IPRCs. Read more

 

30 April 2022

3 African Institutions Partner to Use Artificial Intelligence to Tackle Climate Change

The project is intended to create and strengthen the interdisciplinary collaboration among scientists and institutions in helping fulfil the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal 13 on climate action innovation. Read more

Cabinet Meeting Gives Kepler University a Greenlight 

A cabinet meeting has granted accreditation to Kepler, a non-profit university program working in partnership with Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). The cabinet meeting chaired by President Paul Kagame was held on Saturday, April 9. Read more

CMA’s 9th Edition of Capital Market University Challenge Brings More Surprises 

The Rwanda Capital Market Authority (CMA) proceeds with its saving culture campaign among the university students, the ninth edition of capital market university challenge. Read more

Education Minister Conducts Work Visit to Huye Campus

The Visit was meant to witness the implementation progress of long and short terms projects that are being conducted by different schools and units within the campus. Read more

Kwibuka 28 : We have Chosen to be One-Vice Chancellor

The University of Rwanda’s Gikondo Campus community gather for the 28th commemoration of victims of the April 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi … Read more

Students Call for Living Allowance Hike After Food Prices Soar

Government-sponsored students in Rwanda have called for an increase in their living allowance following a sharp increase in the market price of almost every commodity that has left many Rwandans struggling. Read more

The University of Kigali Graduate School Starts Cohort 3 of Scrum Master Certification Programme 

University of Kigali’s Graduate School in partnership with Teamflow GmbH, a German-based institution is offering the SCRUM MASTER CERTIFICATION PROGRAMME, a Project Management Certification free of charge to its graduate students. Read more

UGHE Empowers Butaro Community Members with Business Skills 

The University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) through its community engagement initiative under the entrepreneurship training program recently graduated 50 entrepreneurs from different small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Burera district who were trained on business development skills… Read more

UR-ACEIoT Hosts the 7th International Conference on Mobile Communication Technology for Development (M4D2022)

University of Rwanda (UR) through the African Centre of Excellence (ACEIoT) held the seventh edition of the International Conference on mobile communication technology for development. This was organized in partnership with Karlstad Business School, Sweden. Read more

UR’s Mobile Mech meet Highlights Research Role in Development 

University of Rwanda (UR) held the seventh edition of the international conference on mobile communication technology for development.This was organised through the Africa Centre of Excellence in the Internet of Things (ACEIoT) Rwanda in partnership with Karlstad Business School. Read more

 

31 March 2022

63 Students Benefit from the East African Community Scholarship…

The Inter- University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) is pleased to announce that sixty-three (63) scholarships have been awarded to applicants from all the six (6) East African Community Partner States (Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania & Uganda). Read more

Associate Nursing Students Undertaking Clinical Attachment in Different Hospitals….

These cadres will be able to continue their career at university in Nursing and Midwifery, Medicine, Science options, as well as other health related professions to which they will be eligible for. Read more

Bank of Kigali Awards Best Performers at INES-Ruhengeri Graduation

Bank of Kigali has awarded the best performing students who graduated this year from the Institute of Applied Sciences. At the graduation ceremony held on Friday March 11, the top three performers with first class honours were awarded Rwf1 million each. Read more

Egypt-Rwanda Discuss Cooperation in Digital Transformation, Innovation

Amr Talaat, Minister of Communications and Information Technology met with Paula Ingabire, Minister of Information and Communications Technology and Innovation in Rwanda to discuss support for cooperation in the fields of communications and information technology… Read more

Inmates to Get University Education: What it Means

The proposed provision by the Government of Rwanda to offer university education to convicts incarcerated in correctional facilities in the country will make them more productive and help tackle reoffending, experts in education and human rights have argued. Read more

MKU Rwanda boosts Imbuto Foundation with Rwf200 million

Imbuto Foundation and Mount Kenya University Rwanda (MKUR) have renewed cooperation by another five-year period to give educational opportunities to outstanding but economically disadvantaged Rwandan students. Read more

Partners In TVET On How Technical, Vocational Education is the Next Big Thing

Technical and Vocational Education (TVET) has proven to be the main force that is ushering Rwanda into the fourth industrial revolution. This was evident during a special programme that brought together TVET partners for a live broadcast at KT Radio,,, Read more

Relief as Students Can Pursue Internship Placements Again

Students from different universities in Rwanda have described the opening of public and private offices to full capacity as a positive move that would allow them to complete the internships they require to graduate. Read more

Science, Technology, and Innovation are Africa’s Blueprint for Accelerated Development

The Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Vera Songwe, has called for the establishment of an African Technology Development and Transfer Network to spur innovation and accelerate development on the continent. Read more

Space Science Capabilities Depend on Quality Education

In December 2019, Ethiopia became the 11th African country to have launched a 72kg remote sensing microsatellite (ETRSS-1) into space, joining the ranks of Algeria, Angola, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa and Sudan. In East Africa, Ethiopia was third after Kenya and Rwanda. Read more

What Can Universities Do to Stop the Demise of Democracy?

The current events in Ukraine, as well as in Hong Kong, highlight the challenges facing people who support democracy. Read more

 

28 February 2022

AAU-PACCI Inaugurates African Education Trust Fund Organising Committee

The Association of African Universities (AAU), the Pan-African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PACCI) and the African Private Sector (APSS) have inaugurated a committee to establish an African Education Trust Fund (AETF). Read more

Coventry University to Train Rwandan Nurses, Aviation Personnel

President Paul Kagame on Wednesday, February 2, met with John Latham, the Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Coventry University Group, to discuss joint projects in the health and education sector.The globally renowned higher learning institution opened its Africa Hub in Rwanda… Read more

Demotivated Lecturers Continue Months-Long Fight to Get Pay

As universities intensify efforts to speed up the delivery of courses to recover from COVID-19 delays, teaching and academic staff from private universities are fighting to get the salaries that have been owed to them for months. Read more

Female Lecturer Speaks Out About Alleged Sexual Harassment

A female assistant lecturer from a prominent private university in Rwanda has alleged that a member of the institution’s top management sexually harassed her and violated her employee’s rights for more than a year. Read more

Five Prominent Initiatives Showcasing at University of Rwanda Innovation Week 

The University of Rwanda in partnership with the African Centre of Excellence in Energy for Sustainable Development (ACE-ESD) launched the Grid Innovation and Incubation Hub (GIIH) Week, also called Innovation Week, on January 31. Read more

In UR, AQE Master’s Program Students Were Given Some Incentives

Master’s Program students in Applied Quantitative Economics were grateful for the laptops that they were given by UR in partnership with GIZ, to facilitate their learning and research activities as economists. Read more

Launches Innovation Week on Clean Energy 

The University of Rwanda in partnership with the African Centre of Excellence in Energy for Sustainable Development (ACE-ESD) have officially launched the Grid Innovation and Incubation Hub (GIIH) Week. Read more

Participants from Rwanda and Burundi Undergo Training

Participants from Rwanda and Burundi undergo training on how to create interactive online content for students during the ongoing GIZ-funded training on Digital for e-learning. Read more

Rwanda Signs Agreement with Dalhousie University 

Minister of State Prof. Nshuti Manasseh in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on Monday signed the Host Country Agreement with Hebb Matt, Vice President, Government and Global relations at Dalhousie University one of Canada’s leading research-intensive universities… Read more

Rwandan Students Hold Cultural Gala in Nebraska

The Rwandan Students Association at the University of Nebraska Lincoln (UNL) in the United States on Saturday February 20 held a cultural gala in which they connected and reflected on the Rwandan culture. Read more

Tennis Star Karenzi Gets US Scholarship

Rwanda’s number two Tennis player Bertin Karenzi will leave the country on February 15 to start his tennis scholarship program at the Morgan State University in the United States. Read more

TVET To Enroll Aerospace, Aeronautical, And Railway Engineering Program This Year 

Rwanda TVET Board (RTB) says new courses targeting establishment and expansion of aviation and railway transport skills will be enrolled in vocational schools by the start of next academic year. Read more

UoK Builds New Research Ties with Visiting Scholars 

The new normal has been revealing. An oscillation between threats and opportunities. On one end, we are exposed and the revelation, our great need for physical connectedness. The restrictions posed by the COVID-19 have limited our ability to connect. Read more

 

31 January 2022

AIU Graduates Protest HEC’s Decision 

Lecturers in local universities and employees in public and private institutions who were educated at Atlantic International University (AIU) have contested the decision by Higher Education Council (HEC) to withdraw their academic papers. Read more

Construction of Rwf8.5bn Mechatronics Facility Kicks Off at IPRC… 

Claudette Irere, the Minister of State in charge of ICT and TVET, on Monday, January 24, laid a foundation stone to kick-start the construction of a new department of mechatronics at the Integrated Polytechnic Regional Centre (IPRC Tumba) located in Rulindo District. Read more

Ghana, Rwanda, Senegal Jointly Establishing COVID-19 Vaccine Manufacturing Plant

President Akufo-Addo disclosed this when he opened the 73rd edition of the annual New Year School and Conference at the Great Hall of the University of Ghana… Read more

HEC Cancels Academic Equivalences for Atlantic International University Graduates 

The Higher Education Council (HEC) in Rwanda has withdrawn all academic equivalences issued to graduates from Atlantic International University located in the United States of America. Read more

Maiden Doctoral Students in Management Gain Tips from Their Swedish and UR Supervisors

In its quest to build research capacity, the University of Rwanda College of Business and Economics received professors from Umeå University and Jönköping University both from Sweden. Read more

New Programme to Boost Students’ Employability

Students from the University of Rwanda will soon start benefiting from a new programme aimed at equipping them with entrepreneurship and employability skills much needed in the labour market. Read more

Outcry as PhDs from US-Based Institution are Withdrawn

The move by Rwanda’s Higher Education Council (HEC) to withdraw recognition for PhD degrees obtained from the United States-based Atlantic International University (AIU) because the programmes have allegedly not been accredited has angered the public and the academic sector, in particular. Read more

Prosecution Takes Over Case of ‘Don’ Suspected of Forging Academic Document 

Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) has confirmed it has submitted to the National Public Prosecution Authority the case of Egide Igabe who was arrested over forgery of academic documents. Read more

Revocation of Academic Equivalences Can be Avoided 

The Higher Education Council (HEC) this week revoked academic equivalences for graduates from United States’ Atlantic International University. This came days after the Rwanda Investigation Bureau announced they had arrested one Egide Igabe over forgery of academic papers. Read more

Soft Skills Training a Must for Graduates Who Start Work

Most universities do not offer soft skills or do not give them the weight they deserve. Curricula in Rwanda tend to prioritise hard skills, cross-cutting issues such as gender, entrepreneurship, values and citizen education, at the expense of soft skills. Read more

Study Finds Rwandan Genocide Chemically Modified the DNA of Victims and Victims’ Offspring

Scientists with the USF Genomics program and the Center for Global Health and Infectious Disease Research have taken a significant step in providing the people of Rwanda the scientific tools they need to help address mental health issues that stemmed from the 1994 genocide of the Tutsi ethnic group. Read more

TVET Board, Korean Vocational Institute Sign New Research deal 

Rwanda TVET Board (RTB) and the Korea Research Institute for Vocational Education and Training (KRIVET) have signed a new agreement to collaborate in research on vocational education and training. Read more

University of Kigali’s Ngabonziza Scoops Rwf480m Swedish Grant 

In pursuance of University of Kigali’s strategic intent to become a research-intensive University, a lecturer of Applied Linguistics and Literacy Education at the university, Dr. Amini Ngabonziza Jean de Dieu has been awarded a 4,476,000 Swedish Kroner grant… Read more

University Researchers Asked to Help Combat Climate Change

As part of Rwanda’s ongoing efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change, higher education and environmental partners in the country have joined forces and called on researchers to come up with proposals that could inform policy decisions about long-term climate change adaptation. Read more

University of Kigali (UoK) Alumni and Students are Making Waves in Rwanda… 

4th January 2022 is when the new year for the University of Kigali kicks in and when first-year students will walk through our doors to register for the new trimester. Read more

UR Students in Campaign to Fight Stunting in Burera 

Students from the University of Rwanda (UR)’s School of Public Health have started a three-day campaign in Burera District in a bid to increase community’s awareness about the benefits of healthy nutrition. Read more

U.S. Varsity Graduates Now Threaten to Drag HEC to Court

Rwandan graduates from Atlantic International University (AIU) have threatened to sue Higher Education Council (HEC) as they attempt to overturn the cancellation of their academic equivalences. Read more

 

31 December 2021

50 UR Scholars Secure Funding to Research on Climate Change 

The new research programme that was launched on December 7, is set to provide 50 fully-funded scholarships to 25 scholars and 25 lecturers of the University of Rwanda (UR) to inform long-term climate change adaptation planning and implementation in Rwanda. Read more

Creating Vibrant and Stronger Research Communities

Diaspora academics have called for the continued and expanded support of a programme that has enabled them to contribute to the strengthening of higher education in Africa through conducting joint research, supervising graduate students, mentoring junior faculty and co-authoring grant proposals and research papers. Read more

Graduate Wants Universities to Admit More Refugees

“As a kid, I found myself in Kiziba refugee camp in the Karongi district of Rwanda’s Western Province. My family and I lived with thousands of other refugees. As I grew up, the situation was desperate. I never dreamed of basic education, let alone going to university. Read more

Kagame Praises Cape Town as a Reputable University in Africa 

President Paul Kagame has lauded the University of Cape Town as among reputable Universities in Africa that has shaped both South African and Rwandan students as well. Read more

MKU Rwanda Marks a Great Year, Looks Forward to Even Better Times 

Mount Kenya University Rwanda has enjoyed a successful academic year and going by current plans, 2022 promises to be even better. Read more

MKU Rwanda to Build Rwf2.5bn Hotel 

Mount Kenya University Rwanda (MKUR) last week laid a foundation stone for the proposed construction of a hotel that is expected to enhance tourism and scale up training in the hospitality sector within the country. Read more

New Policy to Promote Inclusion for Students with Disabilities in TVET Schools 

A new policy for the education sector that will aim at catering for people with disabilities in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) schools is in the offing. Read more

RUFORUM Signs a Memorandum of Understanding for Collaboration…

The Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) and the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) today signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for collaboration in the advancement of research and quality postgraduate studies. Read more

State Students Bemoan Delays with Computer Delivery

State-sponsored Rwandan students have bemoaned delays by the government to deliver the computers they were promised as part of a programme to facilitate learning and improve access to information and communications technology among students. Read more

Student Mobility Between Africa and US falls During COVID

The COVID-19 pandemic has decreased the number of international students from Africa who are studying in universities in the United States, as their numbers fell from a high of 48,679 students in the 2019-20 academic year to 45,343 students in 2020-21, a drop of 6.85%. Read more

Thirty-Two Rwandans Get Paid Internship Through Equity Leadership Programme 

At least 32 Rwandan top-performing scholars have been enrolled into a paid professional internship at Equity Bank Rwanda Plc during the launch of the Equity Leadership Programme (ELP) Rwanda Chapter, a programme sponsored by Equity Bank Plc. Read more

Turkish Language Courses Garner Serious Attention 

Hundreds of students have signed up as Turkey’s state-run Yunus Emre Institute started in-person Turkish language courses in Rwanda.Since opening its offices in Rwanda earlier this year, the institute has been unable to offer in-person classes due to COVID-19 restrictions. Read more

University of Rwanda hosts the 3rd Home SDG Digital School

From 6th to 10th December 2021 the University of Rwanda hosted the 3rd Home SDG Digital School which attracted students from different colleges of the University of Rwanda and other sister private universities in Rwanda. Read more

Mastercard Foundation for a Scholars Program.

MasterCard Foundation visited The University of Rwanda for a meeting that took place at UR headquarters for the purpose of revealing the newly created partnership of 10 years with Mastercard Foundation for a Scholars Program. Read more

UR Expect Benefits from EQIP and TELLS Projects

On 21st December, 2021, the University of Rwanda hosted an open day of two projects ; Enhancing Quality and Internationalization of Study Programme through Mobile Transformative Pedagogy (EQIP)… Read more

 

30 November 2021

Chinese Culture Exhibition Held at University of Rwanda

KIGALI, Nov. 12 (Xinhua) — Sights that epitomize Chinese culture filled a students’ hall at the recent Chinese Culture Exhibition at the University of Rwanda’s College of Education Rukara campus, in eastern Rwanda. Read more

Circular Thinking Education Will Aid Sustainable Development

Inefficient management of the abundant natural resources in Africa prompted experts to call on universities on the continent to join the ‘education for circularity’ movement to equip students with knowledge and skills in circular thinking. Read more

Kent State, University of Rwanda Partner to Bring Global Experiences to Students, Faculty 

Kent State University and the University of Rwanda have a new partnership that administrators say is connecting students, faculty and research across oceans. Read more

More PhD Scholarships in Applied Sciences to be Awarded

The African continent and its universities need more high-quality researchers and innovators not just male, but female scientists, too, said Dr Moses Osiru, manager of the regional coordination unit of the Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (RSIF), … Read more

National Exams: 400 Candidates File Complaints 

The National Examination and School Inspection Authority (NESA) has received 400 complaints from Senior Six candidates whose results were announced last week on Monday. Read more

New Matchmaking Platform Could Help to Close the Skills Gap

The East African Community (EAC), through its project Digital Skills for an Innovative East African Industry (dSkills@EA), has launched an online skills matchmaking platform for young people in the East African countries of Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda. Read more

Private Varsities Seek Support in Delivery of Digital Literacy Course 

Private universities have appealed for government support in order to equip students with basic digital skills through the International Computer Driving License (ICDL) training. Read more

Promoting International Humanitarian Law Among Rwandan Law Students 

The event, jointly organized by the ICRC, the Schools of Law and the Rwanda Red Cross Society in Kigali, brought together eight law students from four Rwandan Schools of Law. Read more

Scholars Commit to Uphold Indigenous Species Amid International Symposium…

Scientists and researchers are convened in Kigali for the 19th International Symposium of the Natural Product Research Network for East and Central Africa- NAPRECA. The event was organized to highlight the importance of natural products in addressing global challenges and their use as source of compounds for drug discovery. Read more

Sector Commits to Internal Quality Assurance Processes

Universities and other higher learning institutions in Rwanda have been challenged to pursue quality and steer clear of anything that can detract them from this goal. Read more

Senior Six, TVET National Exam Results Released 

The Ministry of Education, on Monday, released the results for the 2020/21 Senior Six, Teacher Training College (TTC), and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) national examinations. Read more

STEMpower USA To Open More Centers of Excellence in Rwanda, Sub-Saharan Africa 

STEMpower USA in collaboration with Israel Embassy will unveil a total of eight Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) centers of excellence in Rwanda before the end of 2022, to boost the country’s development goals. Read more

Time to Strategise for International Student Recruitment

Sixteen months ago, I wrote an article entitled ‘Africa can be a top foreign student destination – Here’s how’, in which I argued that a BBC report stated that the University of Edinburgh could lose up to 25% of its annual income of £1 billion as a result of COVID-19, … Read more

Two Rwandan Universities Join Huawei ICT Academy Program 

Huawei has announced its partnership with two Rwandan universities, which officially became Huawei Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Academies in Rwanda. Read more

University Festival Uses the Arts to Address Mental Health

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge and diverse impact on human lives, ranging from causing mental health issues like loneliness and isolation, and social injustice, to exacerbating poverty. Read more

University Graduates on Job to Save ‘Critically Endangered Vultures’ 

A group of graduates from university of Rwanda in agriculture and environment are striving to save hooded vultures, ones of biodiversity species that are critically endangered. Read more

University of Rwanda Joins WTO’s Chairs Programme 

The University of Rwanda(UR) has joined as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) chairs programme that will help it to enhance knowledge and understanding of the trading system among academics and policy makers in developing countries… Read more

UR Brings Together Stakeholders to Get Their Inputs for the Revised Strategic Plan

The University of Rwanda held a validation workshop for the revised UR strategic Plan 2018-2025. Read more

 

31 October 2021

Debating Boosts Students’ Confidence, Improves Knowledge and Skills

Debating broadens students’ way of thinking, develops their ability to think critically and solve problems – and increases overall confidence and public speaking abilities, said Abiel Intwarane, a third-year law student from the University of Rwanda (UR). Read more

Indigenous Knowledge Institute Aspires to Global Mandate

n application to have the multi-country African Institute of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (AIIKS) recognised as a strategic partner of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is currently under way. Read more

Correctional Facilities Could Offer University Education

Convicts could start receiving university education at correctional facilities if a new bill on correctional services is voted into law by the Parliament.Its relevance was approved by the Chamber of Deputies on Friday, October 8, 2021, and the next step is to be scrutinised by a responsible parliamentary committee. Read more

Gabon Gives 31 Full Scholarships to Its Nationals For University of Rwanda 

The University of Rwanda has received 31 Gabonese students who are coming to pursue different programs at Bachelor’s level. The students will pursue studies, following a Memorandum of Understanding signed between University of Rwanda and the government of Gabon scholarship agency… Read more

Integration of E-learning in TVET to Enhance the Quality of Training and Work Readiness of Students in Rwanda

Education Development Center (EDC) and the Mastercard Foundation have partnered to create The BRITE program (Building Resilience in TVET Through E-Learning), with the aim of responding to Rwanda’s commitment to integrate technology in education by providing interactive e-learning digital solutions for the TVET system. Read more

Janet Asks Uganda’s Missions to Attract More Investors in Education 

The Minister of Education and Sports, Ms. Janet Museveni has appealed to Uganda’s missions abroad to promote the country’s education system and opportunities to attract more investments in the sector. Read more

Mount Kenya University to Award Best Performing Teachers

Mount Kenya University Rwanda (MKUR) has announced that it will be recognising this year’s best performing teachers in Rwanda, awarding them with laptops. Read more

Over 60,000 Rwandan Students Fail National Exams, to Repeat Classes 

More than 60,000 Rwandan students who failed the national exams will repeat their classes as the government moves to scrap automatic promotion to the next class. Read more

Participants Hail Ant Taxonomy Course; a Stepping Stone Towards Understanding Ant Community Composition …

From 18-26 October 2021 the Center of Excellence in Biodiversity and Natural Resource Management (CoEB) based in the College of Science and Technology, University of Rwanda is conducting a course on any taxonomy and sampling methods in Nyungwe National Park. Read more

Political Interference Bedeviling Nation’s Universities 

Political interference and tribalism have been identified as two major factors bedeviling the nation’s university system. Read more

Rethinking the Role of TVET in Future Work and Lifelong Learning, in Light of Digitalization and the 4IR

The report demonstrates that TVET has not been given sufficient recognition by African countries despite their declared commitment and some consequential progress. Read more

Rwanda’s University of Gitwe to Resume Academic Work

Rwanda’s Higher Education Council (HEC) has authorised the University of Gitwe, better known as the Institut Supérieur Pédagogique de Gitwe (ISPG), to resume academic activities after it was closed a year-and-a-half ago. Read more

ULK Wins 5th Edition of Moot Court Competition 

Last week, law students from Kigali Independent University (ULK) were named the winners of the fifth national moot court competition on International Humanitarian Law (IHL), … Read more

University Owner Released from Prison on Presidential Pardon

The former prime minister of Rwanda and owner of the now-closed Christian University of Rwanda and who was serving a three-year jail term for issuing cheques that bounced has received a presidential pardon and was immediately released. Read more

UR Keen on Attracting more International Students

The University of Rwanda (UR) is set to welcome more international students from different countries as it seeks to bolster its academic and cultural environment. Read more

UTB to Send Thousands of Students to Qatar For Internship, Job

The University of Tourism, Technology and Business Studies (UTB) says that 700 Hospitality and Tourism students will be sent to Qatar for internships and work every year for five years. Read more

 

30 September 2021

22-Year-Old Student Pioneers Hydroponic Farming in Rwanda

Many students go to university but few think about creating businesses that can even help them afford some basic needs at school. Read more  

Academic Dishonesty: Students, Staff Should be Trained Early

Despite efforts by universities and higher learning institutions to fight a lack of integrity among students, academic and administrative staff, the issue remains challenging, and experts call for concerted efforts to root out the problem. Read more

Africa Museum, University of Rwanda to Start Geology Master’s Program

The Belgian based Africa Museum has reached final touches in drafting curriculum, and education systems that will commence the admission and teaching pf Master’s of Geology that will be based at University of Rwanda, … Read more

A High Level KSU Delegation Visits UR to Cement Institutional Collaboration

The University of Rwanda received a high-level delegation from Kent State University (KSU) on a visit to the country. The trip is in the spirit of existing collaboration between UR and KSU in intercultural and academic exchange through mobility and joint research,… Read more

A Model of Public Accountability for African Universities

There is a continuing discussion about university autonomy and academic freedom in Africa. Nevertheless, nothing so far has been written or heard about African universities’ public accountability. How can universities have rights without accountability? Read more

Covid-19: Universities now Demand Vaccination Certificates

The University of Rwanda (UR) and Mount Kenya University Kigali Campus (MKUR) have requested all staff and students to be vaccinated against Covid-19 in order to be allowed into the respective campuses. Read more

It is When We have Dedication to Duty that Institution Moves Forward…

The University of Rwanda Vice chancellor Prof Alexandre Lyambabaje presided over a handover ceremony between the incoming DVC for Academic Affairs & Research Prof Nosa O. Egiebor and the outgoing Ag. DVC Dr Emile Bienvenu. Prof Egiebor assumes duties following his appointment by Rwanda Cabinet meeting. Read more

Managing Finances at University: How I Survived the First Year

Being admitted to university and getting a scholarship is a great pleasure for every high school graduate and his or her parents because you realise that the efforts put into the studies were not in vain. Read more

Skills to Drive National Development While Creating Jobs

Three years ago, 23-year-old Genevieve Uwamariya and two fellow students at the Integrated Polytechnic Regional College in Tumba in Rwanda carried out research on traditional banana ripening and realised something was wrong. Read more

Swedish PhD Scholarship Program for Rwanda Extended To 2026

The University of Rwanda (UR) has revealed that the Swedish PhD research program for Rwanda will be extended to 2026, following its setback and interruptions caused by COVID-19. Read more

Targeted, Proactive Efforts Needed to Strengthen Physics

The need for a proactive effort to improve the teaching and researching of physics in Sub-Saharan Africa as a foundation for critically important scientific work has been highlighted in a new report from the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) and the UK-based Institute of Physics (IOP). Read more

The University of Rwanda Integrates UNESCO Guidance on Distance Learning into …

The College of Education, University of Rwanda has integrated the 2020 UNESCO publication “Ensuring effective distance learning during COVID-19 disruption: guidance for teachers” into its curriculum, thus far reaching over 3,700 pre-service and secondary school teachers. Read more

University of Rwanda, Mastercard Foundation Launch $55 Million Partnership…

The Mastercard Foundation and University of Rwanda today announced a 10-year, $55 million partnership to enable higher education access for 1,200 young Africans – with a focus on women pursuing STEM, young people with disabilities, and refugee and displaced youth… Read more 

University of Rwanda Put on Spot Over Health Insurance, Performance

Rwanda Parliament has asked the University of Rwanda to clean up its house in administration, finance and project management if the institution is to live up to its core values of educating the cream of the country. Read more

University of Rwanda’s College Bans Access to Unvaccinated

The University of Rwanda’s college of medicine and health sciences has issued instructions banning all unvaccinated students and staff from accessing the campus from 27 September 2021. Read more

UN, Rwanda Begin Doctrinal Training for Peacekeepers

Rwanda Defence Force is hosting the first United Nations Engagement platoon pilot course from September 1 to 10, 2021 at Rwanda Military Academy in Gako. Read more

UNAM Leverages Blockchain Technology

The University of Namibia (UNAM) and the Africa Blockchain Institute (ABI) in Rwanda have announced this week a new collaborative agreement to foster partnerships on teaching and training; curriculum development; staff and students exchange; internalization of academic programmes; and research projects. Read more

 

31 August 2021

9,000 Graduate at the University of Rwanda

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, less than 100 people attended the physical event at Kigali Cultural Exhibition Village, while the rest of the graduates attended virtually. Read more

A High Level KSU Delegation Visits UR to Cement Institutional Collaboration

The University of Rwanda received a high-level delegation from Kent State University (KSU) on a visit to the country. The trip is in the spirit of existing collaboration between UR and KSU in intercultural and academic exchange through mobility and joint research, among other areas. Read more

AKADEMIYA2063 Signs MOU with RUFORUM …

Kigali, Rwanda, 16th August 2021 – AKADEMIYA2063 and the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen data and analytical capacities in support of Africa’s agricultural transformation and food security agenda. Read more

Covid-19: UR Huye Campus Halts Studies to Respect Lockdown Guidelines

The University of Rwanda (UR) has halted physical classrooms at its campus located in Huye district, Southern Province to comply with measures against COVID-19 that are being observed in the neighboring Tumba sector. Read more

Govt, Private Sector Partner to Boost Education Financing

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), stipulates that quality education can only be achieved if adequate financial resources… Read more

It Is When We Have Dedication to Duty that Institution Moves Forward…

The University of Rwanda Vice chancellor Prof Alexandre Lyambabaje presided over a handover ceremony between the incoming DVC for Academic Affairs & Research Prof Nosa O. Egiebor and the outgoing Ag. DVC Dr Emile Bienvenu. Read more

Launch of the African Advisory Board to Support the University of Global Health Equity Mission

The Advisory Board will be instrumental to UGHE’s ambitious mission: building a robust healthcare workforce in Africa to provide equitable, quality health services to all, and supporting the continent’s path to self-reliance in health by advancing its human resource potential. Read more

The Art of Juggling Work and Completing Your Degree

It is 17:10 as Jackson Mbarushimana enters the gates of a blood transfusion centre located in the Huye district in the Southern Province of Rwanda. Read more

The Fate of Cavendish University Graduates in Rwanda

Cavendish university graduates whose academic papers were rejected by Rwanda Higher Education Council (HEC) in August 2020, will have to pursue and complete a one-year-long mandatory course for them to be academically accepted as qualified teachers. Read more

University Communities Reject Israel’s AU Observer Status

Several student unions and organisations representing faculty from African countries such as Tunisia, Algeria, Libya and South Africa have voiced their opposition to awarding Israel observer status to the African Union (AU), a move that has been rejected by African countries for nearly two decades. Read more

University of Global Health Equity Board Roots for Sustainable Healthcare

The African Advisory Board (AAB) for the University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) held its first meeting on Friday, August 20, 2021. The meeting took place virtually. Read more

University of Rwanda to Start Aeronautics and Aerospace Program…

The University of Rwanda (UR) says it has reached the final touches in drafting curriculum and education systems that will commence the admission and teaching Aeronautics and Aerospace professionals, under the College of Science and Technology. Read more

UR to Introduce Aeronautics, Aerospace Engineering Courses

The University of Rwanda (UR) in partnership with Kent State University is going to introduce Aeronautics and Aerospace Engineering courses to play a part in making Rwanda a hub of aviation by delivering these skills locally. Read more

 

31 July 2021

A Virtual Summer Course Looking at Global Climate Change with Partners in USA

The Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University, USA and the University of Rwanda’s Center of Excellence in Biodiversity and Natural Resource Management (UR- CoEB) at the College of Science and Technology partner to bring together American and Rwandan Master’s students for a fully immersive virtual study-abroad program called Climate Policy, … Read more

Blind Lecturer is a Staunch Champion for Inclusive Education

After Beth Nasiforo Mukarwego’s birth while the family was in exile in Burundi, her parents were frantic about her education because she had a visual impairment that led to blindness. Read more

Education Minister Back in Parliament Over UR Issues

The Minister of Education Valentine Uwamariya is expected to appear before parliament on Tuesday July 27 where she will for the second time attempt to shed light on issues related to the Integrated Education Business Management Information System (IEBMIS) used by the University of Rwanda (UR). Read more

Education Ministry Clears Air on National Exams Candidates

Following a surge in daily Covid-19 cases and the emergence of new variants, Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente on Tuesday hosted a news conference where he announced new Covid-19 restrictions. Read more

E-Learning is Getting Stuck in the Digital Divide

With 82% of students in Sub-Saharan Africa stranded without internet access, many African universities’ valiant efforts to embrace online delivery got stuck in the digital divide. COVID-19 has shown that affordable, accessible internet is more necessary than ever. Read more

Francophone Africa Rethinks HE Funding Models

In an effort to maintain and improve the quality of teaching and research, francophone countries in Africa have been considering various financing initiatives, including the introduction of performance contracts for universities, online education and cost-sharing models. Read more

Govt to Incentivise TVET to Increase Students’ Uptake

The Government has announced plans to streamline policies and introducing incentives to aid its elaborate plan to increase the uptake of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) courses. Read more

How Tertiary Schools are Coping Amidst Fresh Covid-19 Measures

Higher learning institutions say they are ready to carry on with studies, shifting from face-to-face learning to online, following the new measures to control the further spread of Covid-19.      Read more

Qualified But Unskilled:  Lack of Hands-On, Soft Skills Affecting TVET Graduates

The easiest way to secure a job or acquire skills and experience at leading hotels is by interning with them but how do you get the opportunity, later on the desired skills to get you the job? Read more

‘Radio Salus’ Like ‘Kindergarten’ for Aspiring Journalists

I grew up in what I may call the ‘academic’ Huye District, home of the former National University of Rwanda, which at the time was the biggest higher learning institution in the country. Read more

The Challenge of Juggling Academics and Motherhood

One morning, Jane Uwamwiza* woke up feeling unwell. At the time, she was getting ready to go to university after receiving a scholarship from the Genocide Survivors Support and Assistance Fund, known as FARG. Read more

UR Owes Over Rwf6 Billion in Pension Contributions

The University of Rwanda (UR) owes at least Rwf6 billion in arrears dating back over two decades in employee contributions to the pension body, … Read more

 

30 June 2021

More Students Stranded as University Fails to Re-Open

Claudine Umutesi is in a dilemma after her university could not re-open due to financial constraints exacerbated by COVID-19. Read more

MPs Task Education Minister to Explain UR ‘Inefficiencies’

Parliament has tasked the Minister for Education to provide a written explanation over what they see as inefficiencies at the University of Rwanda (UR). Read more

Private Varsities on the Spot for Admitting Unqualified Students

A probe by the Higher Education Council (HEC) has established that some private Higher Learning Institutions have been admitting students who do not meet the set threshold to join university. Read more

Rwandan Scholar to Chair Coventry University’s New Africa Hub

One of Rwanda’s veteran scholars who occupied positions as head of various campuses of the University of Rwanda, Professor Silas Lwakabamba has been appointed as Regional Managing Director of Coventry University Group…Read more

Rwanda’s Private Universities Seek Financial Lifeline

Managers of Rwanda’s private universities have called on the government to advocate for long-term bank loans to revive their institutions after the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more

University of Rwanda in Academic Programs Review

The University of Rwanda (UR) has undertaken to review its academic programs to conform them to institutional, national, and regional quality standards so that they can be shared and implemented across East Africa. Read more

Universities to Start Classes Again After Earthquake

As citizens from both Rwanda’s Rubavu district and Goma town in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) try to recover from the effects of the Nyiragongo volcano eruption, schools and universities are also trying to resume their work. Read more

UR Bosses Castigate Genocide Deniers, Urge Fouth to Focus on National Unity

University of Rwanda Vice-Chancellor Prof. Alexander Lyambabaje has lashed out at elements that continue to deny or distort facts around the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, which claimed over a million lives. Read more

UR Gets ‘Smart Classroom’ to Facilitate E-Learning

The University of Rwanda (UR) has got a ‘smart classroom’ located at Gikondo Campus expected to make learning easier for students in Master of Economics. Read more

UR-Huye Students Share Lessons Learned from Catholic Parish…

Some 50 students from University of Rwanda-Huye campus on June 11 visited Ntarama Genocide Memorial in Bugesera where they toured the different sections of what used to be a place of worship. Read more

UR Launches a Project to Address Podoconiasis and Scabies Related Effects

The University of Rwanda has launched the Social Sciences for Severe Stigmatising Skin Conditions project (5S Foundation), a collaborative research project that is meant to end neglect and stigma of patients suffering from Podoconiasis and Scabies. Read more

UR Students to Represent Africa at Commonwealth Inter-Tertiary Debating Competition in UK

University of Rwanda’s debating team is set to represent Africa at the Commonwealth Inter-Tertiary Schools Debating Championship. Read more

Varsities Roll Out New Covid Measures

Different institutions of higher learning have imposed new strict measures to help contain the spread of Covid, in the wake of a surge in cases in many parts of the country, in what is shaping up to be the third wave of the virus. Read more

SAO TOME AND PRINCIPE

Island Nation Plans to Widen Higher Education Offerings

One major potential initiative that may cause significant progress involves this lusophone country being chosen by the Pan African Institute for Development (PAID) to host a future International University of Development Sciences. Read more

 

31 May 2021

A STEMpower Centre Launched to Boost Science Awareness in Rwanda

The University of Rwanda College of Science and Technology witnessed the official launch of STEMpower Centre. Read more

Genocide Orphan Now MIT Professor

Dr Aristide Gumyusenge grew up in a rural area in Rwanda and attended modest educational institutions where he excelled in mathematics, biology and chemistry. Read more

How University Students have Leveraged the Capital Market University Challenge

University students who were awarded in the previous Capital Market University Challenge have managed to create jobs and continued to save through the capital market. Read more

Learning to Use iNaturalist to Discover the World of Biodiversity on Our Doorstep

Organised by collaboration between a former BSc student from UR and the Center of Excellence in Biodiversity and Natural Resource Management (CoEB), with funding from the National Geographic Society (NGS)… Read more

Review Could Lead to Programme Cuts at University

A new, comprehensive review of all programmes offered by the University of Rwanda (UR) could lead to the phasing out of some courses deemed irrelevant to the labour market while others could be either improved or merged. Read more

Rwanda Launches First ‘STEMPower’ Center

Rwanda has launched the first Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) center dubbed ‘STEMpower center’ that will help secondary and University students to promote practical learning and support innovation… Read more

Universities Have a Role in Rwanda’s Reconciliation

The mood was sombre as mourners laid wreaths on the memorial site where 400 employees of the former National University of Rwanda were buried – victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. Read more

UR Seals Two Bumper Deals from MasterCard Foundation and EAC & Republic of German to Boost Education

The University of Rwanda through the Regional Centre of Excellence for Vaccines, Immunization & Health Supply Chain Management (VIHSCM) is a beneficiary of 17 Million USD from the cooperation between the East African Community and the Federal Republic of Germany. Read more

 

30 March 2021

A Caring Institution for Students with Disabilities

Ange Theonastine Ashimwe sits pensively in her wheelchair on the verandah of the flat she rents in Kigali, browsing the news on her phone. She has just completed a revision of her study material. Read more

Court Acquits Former University Vice-Chancellor

Professor Egide Karuranga, the former vice-chancellor of the now-defunct University of Kibungo has been acquitted by the Ngoma district-based Intermediate Court on charges related to financial mismanagement. Read more

Ex-University of Kibungo Boss Karuranga Acquitted

Ngoma Intermediate Court in Ngoma District has ruled to acquit the former Vice-Chancellor of the defunct University of Kibungo (UNIK), Prof. Egide Karuranga, nine months after he was arrested on accusations of mismanaging the university. Read more

Returning Home Armed with Skills: Journey for Improving Potato Production in Rwanda

Through different agricultural skills got in class and experimental research project findings, he looked back in his country the area for improvement and he come up with a proposal to contribute the improvement of potato production in Rwanda. Read more

Rwandan University to Start Turkish Language Courses

Turkey’s Yunus Emre Institute, in cooperation with the University of Rwanda, will start Turkish language courses and cultural and academic exchange programs, Turkey’s envoy to the East African nation said on Monday. Read more

Student Association Creates ‘Families’ for Genocide Survivors

Gilbert Gasigwa was just 10 years old when the 1994 Rwandan genocide, which orphaned him, began. Read more

University Helps Local Community to Fight the Coronavirus

Mount Kenya University, Rwanda, has taken on the mass-production of hand sanitisers for the use of its staff and students and for donation to local communities. Read more

 

31 March 2021

East African Christian College Expands HE Sector

A new private Christian college that will offer theology degrees has opened in Kigali, Rwanda. The East African Christian College, owned by the Anglican Church in Rwanda, will be able to train leaders of churches and faith-based organisations, who are legally required to have bachelor degrees in religious studies to head these organisations. Read more

Lecturers Get Their Jabs as Mass Vaccination Starts

University lecturers as well as teachers in Rwanda were vaccinated against COVID-19 on 5 March, the second day after the country launched a mass vaccination drive. Read more

Minister Asks New Vice-Chancellor to Boost Research

While Rwanda aspires to shift from an agriculture-based country to a knowledge-based one, academia continues to lag behind in terms of conducting relevant research and also promoting quality education, a tendency that should change. Read more

Private Higher Education Helps with Access, Development

Higher education in post-genocide Rwanda has experienced significant growth over the past 25 years – from a handful of universities to more than 30 universities and higher learning institutions, of which 26 are private… Read more

Smooth Start as Universities in Kigali Reopen

Students have been returning to higher education institutions in Kigali and have resumed their learning activities following a Rwandan government decision to reopen the education sector. Read more

 

28 February 2021

A New Vice Chancellor for the University of Rwanda

The University of Rwanda, the largest and only public university in the country, has a new vice-chancellor. Professor Alexandre Lyambabaje, an academic and politician, was appointed by the government on 2 February and become the third vice-chancellor in the recent history of the institution. Read more

Fresh University Graduates Venture into ‘Eco-Friendly’ Mobile Grain Dryers

A Rwandan young environmental engineer, 24-year-old Thierry Shema and his co-founders in an agritech startup dubbed “Crop Tech Ltd”, are gearing up for deploying mobile grain dryers powered by renewable energy as opposed to diesel. Read more

Prof. Lyambabaje Keen to Boost University of Rwanda’s Finances & Research

University of Rwanda’s (UR) new Vice Chancellor Professor Alexandre Lyambabaje has pointed out research improvement, beefing up finances, and upgrading e-learning as some of the key areas he will work on during his tenure at the helm of the institution. Read more

Public Notice for Accredited Higher Learning Institutions on Teaching Accredited Academic Programs

It was observed that different Higher Learning Institutions accredited in Rwanda have been issuing confusing documents in regard to the Awards the institution is allowed to offer. Read more

 

31 January 2021

15 Young Entrepreneurs Gain Tips to Transform their Ideas into Successful Business

15 entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas have completed a one – week boot camp getting coaching and mentorship from experts in entrepreneurship in a bid to transform potential and innovative business ideas into viable business ventures. Read more

First Rhodes Scholar to Focus on Artificial Intelligence

The first Rwandan to be awarded a Rhodes Scholarship for study at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom aspires to harness artificial intelligence (AI) in areas such as education, economics, business and medicine and contribute to improving the lives of people on the African continent. Read more

Government Rejects Qualifications, Students Redo Courses

Students who graduated from three private universities will have to repeat some of the work in courses they have already completed before they can be employed or continue their studies at public institutions in Rwanda. Read more

Half of all Varsities Closed as Kigali Locks Down

Barely a few weeks after the full reopening of higher learning institutions late in 2020, half of Rwanda’s universities have been closed again after the cabinet resolved on 18 January to place the capital, Kigali, in a second lockdown. This followed a surge in COVID-19 cases in the city, in particular, and in the country in general. Read more

Health Professionals’ Equivalence Processing and Students’ Indexing

It has been observed that many of the applicants for equivalence who have graduated from health-related programs outside Rwanda, have no index numbers…Read more

Higher Education to Produce Church Leaders with Degrees

Two new private universities that will produce graduates in theology have opened in the Rwandan capital, Kigali, to respond to the pressure on churches and faith-based organisations to be headed by degree holders. Read more

Ministry Says Graduates of 3 Private Varsities Not Ready for Labour Market

The Ministry of Public Service has warned public institutions against hiring graduates from three private universities, saying that they are not yet ready for the job market. Read more

The National Herbarium of Rwanda conducts field expedition…

The National Herbarium of Rwanda in collaboration with the Institute of National Museums of Rwanda (INMR)/ Environment Museum-Karongi conducted a two-day field sampling trip… Read more

University Partnership Exchange Rwanda

The U.S. Embassy in Kigali and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln announce the University Partnerships and Exchange (UPEX) Rwanda Program, an innovative fellowship that will provide mid-career administrators at Rwandan colleges and universities with a year of enrichment and practical trainingon… Read more

Varsities, Banking Sector Mourn Economist, Lecturer

The death of Professor Thomas Kigabo Rusuhuzwa, an eminent economist in Rwanda and a seasoned economics university lecturer, has saddened former students and colleagues and has left a void in the academic and banking circles in which he worked. Read more

 

31 December 2020

Africa’s Clean Cooling Centre of Excellence Moves Closer to Boosting Farmer’s Livelihoods

The Rwandan Government has formally launched the new African Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Cooling and Cold Chain (ACES) that is hosted in-country by the University of Rwanda. Read more

Academic Staff on a Journey Towards English Proficiency

Two years ago, a Rwandan cabinet meeting resolved that teaching staff and students at universities should undergo compulsory standardised English language tests (SELT) in a bid to improve English proficiency. Read more

CMHS Gets a Modern Prosthetics Laboratory

People with disabilities will now be able to easily access prostheses, the artificial body parts to facilitate them in sports, thanks to a new prosthetics and orthotics laboratory unveiled Thursday at UR-CMHS. Read more

Leaving No One Behind by Fostering Digital Technical and Vocational Education…

How can people acquire the skills needed to digitize work to take on new tasks? What must Technical Vocational and Educational Training (TVET) strategies look like to bring technology closer to learners, teachers and managers? Read more

No More Temporary Accreditation for Universities 

The Higher Education Council (HEC) has announced that government will no longer issue temporary accreditation to new universities seeking to begin operations in Rwanda. Read more

Rwanda Closes 20 Vocational Schools Over Poor Quality

The Rwandan Ministry of Education has closed twenty Technical Education and Vocational Training (TEVT) schools for failure to give sufficient practical lessons. Read more

Three Years’ Jail for the Owner of Private Christian University

At the end of November, the Nyarugenge Intermediate Court in Kigali, Rwanda, handed a three-year jail sentence to Dr Pierre-Damien Habumuremyi, the owner of the now closed Christian University of Rwanda… Read more 

UR Graduate Takes a Lead to Inspire Youth to Pursue Research

Raymond Umazekabiri graduated in 2018 from Botany and Conservation option, Biology Department at the College of Science and Technology. Read more

 

30 November 2020

25 Students Appeal to University of Rwanda After Losing Scholarship

Students who join the University of Rwanda(UR) under government scholarship sign a performance contract with the Higher Education Council(HEC) according to which failing exams would lead to the loss of scholarship. Read more

Building Skills in Rwanda’s Youth: Skills in Higher Education

The University of Rwanda was established as a merger of all public universities to help address the issues of duplication, sharing of resources and most importantly that of quality. One of the objectives is to build a research-based institution. Read more

Financial Hardship Keeps Students from Returning to Class

Francoise Umulisa had a job in one of the hotels in the Rwandan capital Kigali where she could earn money to pay her university fees at the private University of Tourism, Technology and Business Studies (UTB). Read more

Financial Woes Force Private Kigali University to Close

The Kigali Institute of Management (KIM) University, a private institution in Rwanda’s capital, is closing down, citing financial problems. Read more

On a Mission to Develop More African Data Scientists

The African Centre of Excellence in Data Science (ACE-DS) in Rwanda is set to develop the skilled data scientists needed to analyse and interpret data and after a rigorous process to assess the designed programmes, available infrastructure and teaching capacity… Read more

Online Degree Programme Delivers 90% Graduate Employment

The story of students who cannot find work after completing their degrees in East Africa is fast becoming stale. That’s because the story has been told over and over again, but universities here continue to churn out learners who lack the necessary skills to compete in the 21st-century labour market. Read more

Problem-Based Research Among Key Drivers for Constructing Efficient National Innovation System…

The National Innovation Systems is generally defined as a framework to understand and organize the flow of knowledge among people, enterprises and institutions, which is key to the innovation performance of a country. Read more

University of Rwanda Announces Return of More Undergraduates

The University of Rwanda has announced the reopening of its campuses for first- and second-year students to attend contact classes as part of a blended learning and teaching mode. Earlier, the Ministry of Education allowed final-year students to return. Read more

University of Rwanda Reopens for all Students as Covid-19 Cases Drop Nationwide

The University of Rwanda, (UR), on Tuesday, November 11 announced that it will effective November 30 reopen for both first and second-year students after more than eight months of digital learning due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Read more

 

31 October 2020

Final-Year Students Return to Lectures First

Final-year students at Rwandan universities will be the first group to attend classes when institutions resume teaching and learning, Minister of Education Dr Valentine Uwamariya said. Read more

Human Capital Flourishes in Rwanda and Sweden Programme

Eighteen years ago, the former National University of Rwanda and top universities in Sweden started a partnership to advance education and research with community impact. The university later merged with other public higher learning institutions to form the University of Rwanda. Read more

Only 6 Universities Fully Cleared to Reopen, Others to Follow Gradually

The Ministry of Education says only six universities have been cleared to reopen fully with all students attending either online or physical teaching in classes while other universities will be allowed to reopen with only finalist students resuming studies to complete their academic courses. Read more

Schools Reopen in Kenya, Rwanda, DR Congo

The reopening of schools in Rwanda followed an assessment done in September by the Education Ministry in partnership with the Higher Education Council which inspected 29 universities and other higher education institutions to ascertain their readiness. Read more

Soft Skills Critical When Graduates Enter the Workplace

The efforts by universities in Rwanda to produce quality students for the labour market are hampered when these graduates enter the workplace or join internship programmes without soft skills – a dilemma that has been receiving attention within the higher education sector across the world. Read more

UR Donates 2,467 Solar Powered Radio Sets to the Poor…

Through Transforming Education Systems for Sustainable Futures (TESF) – a United Kingdom Research and Innovation (UKRI) funded project- the University of Rwanda has secured funds to procure solar powered radio sets to support children from poor and vulnerable families… Read more

 

30 September 2020

On Track to Produce Ethical African Leaders

The African Leadership University or ALU made headlines in 2016 when it announced it planned to produce three million ethical and entrepreneurial African leaders by 2035. Read more

Universities Prepare for Nationwide Assessment

Rwanda’s Higher Education Council on 2 September announced a week-long nationwide assessment of 39 higher learning campuses to examine their readiness for reopening following the COVID-19 shutdown. Read more

Universities to Remain Closed as COVID-19 Cases Increase

Universities and other higher learning institutions in Rwanda will remain closed pending further health and preparedness assessments that would inform possible resumption of in-person classes, a cabinet meeting resolved last week. Read more

University of Rwanda Ready to Resume Studies in September

The University of Rwanda is among the schools that stopped teaching activities and evacuated its different campuses in March. Read more

 

30 August 2020

As the Time of UR Reopening is at Hand, Lecturers are Trained on Developing e- Learning & Blended Modules

… the University of Rwanda (UR) College of Business and Economics (CBE) trained lecturers on how to develop e-learning & Blended modules in teaching. Read more

Carnegie Mellon University in Kigali Trains Africa’s Next Generation of Tech Experts

As the world becomes increasingly digital, the necessity for African digital experts, technicians and researchers will be critical to helping the continent adapt to rapidly developing digital advancements. Read more

Cavendish University, Uganda Graduates Stuck as Papers Are Rejected

Cavendish university graduates who were recognized by Rwanda’s Higher Education Council (HEC) Rwanda have been given five days by the Ministry of Labour to present their academic equivalence certificates or else, they will be dismissed. Read more

Why is Higher Education Important?

It is said that “education is the key to success” which is why people go an extra mile to pursue bachelors/masters degrees and PhDs. Of course, a number of people have established mega businesses without even completing high school, but the quickest pathway for many, if not most, people to a rewarding career is going to college and getting a higher education. Read more

 

31 July 2020

A Country Rallies to Raise the Number of Women in Science

Ndikumana worked hard throughout school and secured a university scholarship to study electrical engineering rather than her first choice of electronics. Read more

Refugee Students in Higher Education are Still a Minority

World Refugee Day on 20 June presented an opportunity to assess the progress made in Rwanda towards facilitating access to higher education on the part of the country’s refugee populations. Read more

Top University Leaders Arrested Over Financial Irregularities

The vice-chancellor of a university and the former Rwandan prime minister, who was also the president of the board of trustees of a separate university, were taken into custody on Friday 3 July over allegations of financial mismanagement relating to the two institutions. Read more

 

30 June 2020

UR Dental Clinic : Pressing Forward to Improve Community Health

With a population of more than 12 million people and a high demand for dentists to serve them, UR through itsCollege of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS)offers bachelor’s degree program in dental surgery and dental therapy. Read more

UR Online Learning at a Glance: What You Need to Know About the Platform

With the integration of information technology in education, online learning has been accorded due attention for enhancing teaching and learning at the University of Rwanda. Read more

UR Researchers Show the Benefits of Frogs and Toads Towards Proper Management of Wetlands Ecosystem in Rwanda

Anurans (Frogs and Toads) are known excellent bioindicators of ecosystem health such as wetlands where their populations’ survival is constituted. Read more

 

31 May 2020

Academics Apply Their Minds to Assisting COVID-19 Victims

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage the world, experts from universities in Rwanda are continuing their response to contain the pandemic and help patients recover. Read more

Private Universities Worry About Losing Students and Staff

Private universities, which enrol over half of Rwandan higher education students, are concerned that the prolonged shutdown of educational institutions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic will not only result in a loss of students, but academic staff as well. Read more

UR and the University of Koblenz-Landau to Boost Entrepreneurship

The University of Rwanda will soon benefit from 1.19 million euros funds by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy to drive forward the existing project cooperation with the University of Koblenz-Landau. Read more

 

30 April 2020

Covid-19: Global Impact Survey and Resources for IAU Members

IAU is closely monitoring the various impacts of COVID-19 on the higher education community. Read more

Genocide 1994 – The Healing and Emancipatory Power of HE

Safi Mukundwa is still pained when she thinks about her family members killed in the 1994 Rwandan genocide against the Tutsi that left her orphaned and alone. But she is also grateful for the government’s support, which put her through a university degree, and helped her to stand economically on her own. Read more

Private Universities Start Suspending Staff, Cutting Salaries

Barely a month after the country went into lockdown to reduce the spread of the coronavirus, some private-sector universities in Rwanda, citing a lack of funds, have suspended academic and administrative staff and reduced the salaries of others. Read more

Rwanda Extends Nationwide Lockdown Until April 19

It said places of worship will remain closed as well as both public and private schools and higher education institutions. Read more

UR and Unicaf University Strengthen Ties to Boost Capacity in E-Learning

The University of Rwanda and Unicaf University have agreed to work together to develop the University of Rwanda’s capacity for online delivery of its programmes. Read more

UR Joins the World to Celebrate Earth Day Amid COVID 19 Lockdown

The UR Center of Excellence in Biodiversity and Natural Resource Management created a video to honor Earth Day. Read more 

Telecom Companies Provide Free Access to Online Learning

Two telecommunication companies – MTN Rwanda and Airtel Rwanda – are offering free access to online learning materials for all students from the University of Rwanda and the Rwanda polytechnics in a move aimed at helping the higher education sector keep functioning in spite of the closure of universities and schools on 21 March. Read more

 

31 March 2020

French to English – An ‘Imperfect’ Transition for Universities

English has been the medium of instruction in Rwandan universities for over 10 years, but despite attempts to promote English in higher education, proficiency remains an ongoing challenge for both learners and lecturers. Read more

Government Orders Closure of Universities for two Weeks

The government on Saturday ordered the closure of all universities and higher learning institutions for an initial period of two weeks in efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus after the Ministry of Health on Saturday confirmed the first case of coronavirus. Read more

Moving Online – One University Stays Ahead of the Pack

With a lockdown in force since midnight on Saturday 21 March, Rwanda’s universities are exploring online alternatives to teaching and learning to ensure the academic year is not disrupted. Read more

National Retreat Resolves to Review University Accreditation

The Rwanda National Leadership Retreat, also known as ‘Umwiherero’, resolved last month to assess the quality of education in higher learning institutions and review the current accreditation and licensing requirements for new ones. Read more

Universities Urged to Take Measures to Combat Coronavirus

Rwanda’s Ministry of Education on Wednesday issued a statement urging all universities and higher education institutions to enhance awareness and take precautionary measures to prevent a possible coronavirus outbreak in the country. Read more

UR Community Briefed on Commonwealth Opportunities Ahead of CHOGM 2020

UR students were taken through the Commonwealth opportunities mainly the scholarships to further their studies. Read more

UR, INES and REMA team up to develop effective research for evidence-based policy making

Research team from the University of Rwanda (UR), Institute of Applied Sciences (INES-Ruhengeri) and Rwanda Environmental Management Authority (REMA) are convened to devise ways to develop a 5-year research plan that will address national and global development challenges. Read more

 

29 February 2020

E-Commerce Studies Launched in Universities

E-commerce studies were on Friday 7 February officially launched in Rwandan universities, as part of a deal signed in 2018 between the government of Rwanda and Chinese e-commerce company Alibaba. Read more

Education Ministry Closes Two University of Gitwe Courses

The Minister for Education, Eugene Mutimura, on Tuesday announced closure of two departments of the University of Gitwe over failure to meet recommended requirements. Read  more

Tackling the Problem of Plagiarism – and Winning

The sanctions for plagiarism at Rwandan universities are tough. But with the aid of plagiarism-checking software, some universities are tackling the problem head-on and winning. University World News conducted a survey among some universities to find out what they were doing to curb the problem. Read more

Universities Align Programmes with Market Needs

Rwandan universities and higher learning institutions are working to align their programmes with the government’s emphasis on producing students with skills to drive national economic growth. Read more

UR Law Students scoops Moot Court Competition in contract law

Eight students from the School of Law at the University of Rwanda emerged winners during the Law Moot Competition which brought together four other local universities. Read more

31 January 2020

Planning for Greater Connectivity in an eLearning Era

In an age of e-learning, access to a reliable and stable internet connection remains an ongoing challenge at the University of Rwanda, the country’s only public university, made up of nine campuses and 30,000 students… Read more

Higher Education Council on the Spot Over Recruitment Report

The Higher Education Council (HEC) has apologised for delay in providing a recruitment-related report to the National Public Service Commission. Read more

31 December 2019

African Centre of Excellence in Data Science : An Institution’s Journey on Making a Mark in the STEM Field

The call for the establishment of the different African Centres of Excellence (ACEs) came at a time when the Government of Rwanda observed gaps in the science field. Read more

Architecture and Informality in Africa

Architect and former director of the School of Architecture, Planning and Geomatics at the University of Cape Town (UCT) Professor Tomà Berlanda explains why more research is needed into informal urban spaces in Africa. Read more

Carry the Light-Twara Urumuri : The Refection on the Role of Academia

The International Peace Day participants discovered that there must be a step to be taken in educating youth about the root cause of The 1994 Genocide against Tutsi in Rwanda. Read more

Rwanda Chief Justice Urges UR Alumni to Contribute to the University Greatness

The University of Rwanda kicked off a get together with its alumni ; a maiden event that started with graduates in Medicine and Health Science fields. Read more

Senate Envoy Calls on Students to Leverage Social Media Platforms to Fight Against Genocide Denial

The University of Rwanda joined the rest of the world to observe the 71st Anniversary of the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. Read more

Transferred Medical Students Resist Catch-Up Courses

Medical students from the now-closed private University of Gitwe in Rwanda have expressed their unhappiness at having to do catch-up courses before they can formally recommence their studies at the University of Rwanda… Read more

UR Trains People with Ability to Go Back to Their Communities and Make a Difference…

In collaboration with Study in Rwanda Organization, the University of Rwanda organized a get together with new and continuing international students in its quest to reaffirm the existing bond between them. Read more

30 November 2019

Local African Language to be Taught in Beijing University

One of China’s oldest universities, the Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU), announced the introduction last month of a course in Kinyarwanda. Read more

31 October 2019

Post-Genocide – How a University is Fostering Unity

Aline Umutesi lost her parents and all her siblings during the 1994 genocide that took place in Rwanda when she was seven. Read more

University of Kigali Students Win Fourth Moot Court Competition

Over 150 students from five law schools in Rwanda on Wednesday held the final session of the fourth annual moot court competition, at the Supreme Court in Kimihurura, Kigali. Read more

30 September 2019

University Seeks Massive Increase in STEM Students

In a bid to align itself with government policy, the University of Rwanda is set to increase its intake of government-sponsored students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics or STEM-related courses to 90% over the next 10 years. Read more

31 July 2019

Government Seeks New Approaches to Student Loan Recovery

Ten years after Rwanda introduced a student loans scheme, only 85 students or 0.1% of beneficiaries have repaid their loans, leaving the state to recover the balance disbursed to over 94,000 students. Read more

Grappling with Graduate Unemployment

Following her graduation from the University of Rwanda in 2014 with a degree focused on business and administration, 29-year-old Christine Mulisa hoped to land a job in her field with a few months. Read more

Longstanding HE Partnership Enters New Five-Year Phase

The government of Sweden has entered into a new five-year partnership with the University of Rwanda (UR) that will see Sweden support research, graduate training and skills development initiatives at the institution at a cost of US$35.6 million. Read more

30 June 2019

Delayed Pay – How do Private University Lecturers Cope?

Lecturers offering courses in various private universities across Rwanda are concerned over delayed payment of their salaries, saying it affects their lives and the way courses are dispensed. Some of them have turned to the courts to resolve the situation. Read more

MINEDUC and Partners Held the 2019/20 Forward- Looking Joint Review of Education Sector

The Ministry of Education in collaboration with all Education Development Partners held a Forward –Looking Joint Review of Education Sector (JRES). This one-day meeting was organized to engage all stakeholders in policy dialogue and to ensure ownership, accountability and transparency of the National Strategy for Transformation 1 (NST1) implementation and monitoring process. Read more

University Scholarships – Poverty Criterion Under Review

Qualifying for a government-sponsored university scholarship in the past not only required a sound academic record, but proof of inadequate family funds. But all this could change if plans to change the Ubudehe system of socio-economic stratification go ahead. Read more

30 April 2019

MSU Remembers Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda with Commemoration and International Symposium

Michigan State University is one of two host sites for the commemorative event in the United States. Jean Kayitsinga, assistant professor at the Julian Samora Research Institute, and Jean Pierre Nshimyimana, Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Fellow in the department of fisheries and wildlife, are the lead organizers of the event, 25th Commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi and the International Symposium on Genocide. Read more

Politics Puts Academic Exchanges and Collaboration on Hold

Collaborations in higher education between Uganda and Rwanda that have been nurtured over several years face collapse following ongoing political tensions between the two countries, with Rwandan students enrolled to study in Ugandan universities being told to ‘start afresh’ in institutions back home. Read more

31 March 2019

Rwandan University Students to Miss Out on Graduation

With the tension that is going between Uganda and Rwanda, the citizens of the two countries are the victims of whatever is going between the two governments. Information we have from our posters is at least 187 Rwandan students will miss the forthcoming Kampala University graduation ceremony in Kampala tomorrow. Read more

28 February 2019

Education Ministry Closes two University of Gitwe Courses

Addressing the media conference in Kigali shortly after a meeting with university management, the minister said that the closure of these departments is due to the insufficiency of training equipment and teaching staff. Read more

31 January 2019

Education Ministry Suspends two University of Gitwe Courses

The Minister for Education, Eugene Mutimura, on Tuesday announced suspension of two departments of the University of Gitwe over failure to meet recommended requirements. Read more

University of Rwanda Graduates Over 7000

Top officials hailed the University of Rwanda (UR) for achievements registered over the past five years after the merger of several public universities. Read more

30 November 2018

ULK Debaters Win Debate Mate Rwanda 2018

Debate Mate is a unique, international educational charity dedicated to improving social mobility using cost-effective peer-to-peer debate mentoring based in the United Kingdom. It uses the brightest university students to run after-school debate clubs in areas of high child poverty across the world…Read more

UR / Sweden Meet to Assess the Impact of Research Collaboration

The University of Rwanda and Sweden partners are gathered in Kigali for a five-day Annual Review Meeting to assess the progress of Sweden support to the University of Rwanda for the year 2017-2018. The meeting is inline with the existing collaboration, which aims among others to improve UR research and staff capacity for the development of Rwanda. Read more

31 October 2018

AIMS Launches Africa’s First Masters in Machine Intelligence

The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) launched its African Masters in Machine Intelligence (AMMI) at its AIMS Rwanda Campus in partnership with Facebook and Google. Read more

31 August 2018

CMHS Hosted Researchers from Washington University- School of Medicine in St. Louis and the National Institutes of Health (NIH)

The College of Medicine and Health Sciences hosted academics and researchers based in the USA. They gave a public lecture at Remera Campus and had time to interact with students and faculty. Read more

Mathematics & Medicine: An Approach to Address Cardiovascular Respiratory System for Sportsmen and Patients

The University of Rwanda encourages interdisciplinary research to contribute in providing solutions to today’s complex challenges. Read more

New Masters to Boost Machine Intelligence Talent Pool

The masters, to be launched in Rwanda next month by the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS), will provide a strong global foundation in MI and create diversity. Read more

UR –CST Hosts a 5 Day Training on Blockchain EXE

The Center of Excellence in Internet of Things (ACEIoT) in collaboration with Blockchain EXE, the largest Blockchain tech community in Japan hosted a 5 day training at UR-CST. Read more

UR Launches Rwanda Handbook of Economic and Social Policy

The University of Rwanda-College of Business and Economics launched the 1st volume of Rwanda handbook of Economic and Social Policy. Read more

Varsity Lecturers Gain Tips for E-Commerce by Alibaba Global Initiative

At least 50 lecturers from nine local varsities are gathered at the University of Rwanda for a 5-day Global e-Commerce Talent (GET) Training of trainers. Read more

30 June 2018

Sweden Commits to Extend its Support to UR for Another Year

The University of Rwanda has benefited one more year of collaboration with the Government of Sweden in the existing support through Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). The extension agreement was signed by Prof. Philip Cotton, UR Vice Chancellor and Dr Emilia Molnar from the Embassy of Sweden in Rwanda. Read more

Lecture on Educational Leadership in the Digital Age Concluded in High Gear

On 8th June 2018, the entire ULK community was in high spirits to welcome a delegation from Trinity Western University/ Vancouver Canada, led by both Dr. Phil Laird and Dr. George Imbezi. Read more

31 May 2018

The University of Rwanda received 20 volunteer lecturers from Nigeria

On Monday 21st May 2018, the University of Rwanda received twenty Technical Aid Corps (TAC) volunteers from the federal Republic of Nigeria during a handover ceremony held at the Headquarters of UR.  Read more

German students’ delegation visits University of Rwanda

On Tuesday 22nd May 2018, a delegation from University of Koblenz – Landau paid a courtesy visit to the University of Rwanda thanks to the existing partnership between two institutions that focuses of students exchange and joint research activities. Read more

The Hon. Minister of Education visited Remera campus

On 24th May 2018, The Hon. Minister of Education Dr. Eugene Mutimura had  a working visit to the University of Rwanda- Remera campus. Read more

University of Rwanda to get more autonomy

Members of the Lower House last week passed a draft law governing University of Rwanda which officials from the Ministry of Education say will increase its autonomy. Read more

30 December 2017

Rwanda, Sweden Mark 20 Years of Cooperation

Over the 20 years, Sweden interventions have been in the education sector. Read more

30 October 2017

3000 Students Stranded After Closure of Varsities

The closure, last week, of five universities over inadequate staff and training facilities left more than 3,000 students stranded. Read more

Education Experts Root For Stronger Public-Private Partnerships

African governments have a key role in efforts to enhance the quality of education at the tertiary level but this can only be achieved through stronger public-private partnerships, education experts from around Africa have said. Read more

HEC Closes Five Varsities

Five private institutions of higher learning in the country have been closed permanently over inadequate staff and lack of enough training facilities, among other requirements. Read more

Lawmakers Want Varsities to Priorities Hands-On Skills

Members of the Standing Committee on Education, Technology, Culture and Youth in the Lower House tour across the country to examine how institutions of higher learning can better deliver hands-on training. Read more

Strong Alumni-Partnerships Is the Way to Go For Universities

The University of Rwanda (UR) is set to start fundraising campaigns among the alumni to deal with shortage of funds. Read more

15 October 2017

Aim Higher Than Eliminating Extreme Poverty, Kagame

President Paul Kagame has said that investment in the development of human capital remain a top priority for Rwanda in a bid to empower citizens and unleash human freedoms. Read more

Educ Council To Take Over Scholarship Disbursements

The Ministry of Education is restructuring its institutions in changes that will see scholarship disbursements for both local and international students move from Rwanda Education Board (REB) to Higher Education Council (HEC). Read more

Government Pledges To Improve Teachers’ Welfare

The government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving teachers’ welfare. Read more

Mount Kenya University, RwandAir Partner to Promote Aviation Industry

Mount Kenya University and Rwanda Air recently entered a memorandum of understanding with RwandAir in a bid to strengthen the field of academic training and research. Read more

Rwanda And Mauritius Sign Agreement On Higher Education

Rwanda and Mauritius have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will see the two countries work more closely in the field of education. Read more

Science And Its Disciplines

Science in its original sense was a word for a type of knowledge rather than a specialized word for the pursuit of such knowledge. Read more

30 September 2017

Hasty Decisions Usually Come With A Price

Just recently, the University of Rwanda (UR) announced a major shakeup in the institution. Among the major decisions was the relocation of some schools from one campus to another, closing some schools and creating new ones. Read more

Mixed Reactions As University Of Rwanda Awaits Approval To Restructure

An air of mixed feelings continued to linger among stakeholders as the University of Rwanda last week submitted a proposal of its proposed restructuring and relocation of its campuses to the Ministry of Education. Read more

University Of Rwanda Faulted Over Latest Reforms

The Higher Education Council has faulted the University of Rwanda for its latest round of restructuring and relocation of campuses and colleges without engaging and consulting the government. Read more

Will New Policy Improve Teachers’ Welfare?

The Ministry of Public Service and Labour (MIFOTRA) has started implementing the “pay and retention” policy for public servants to reduce salary disparity. Read more

15 September 2017

How to Prepare for University Life

When students complete high school, they are excited about joining university because it comes with its freedom and fun, as well as less supervision from teachers. But without adequate guidance and preparation that liberty can be recipe for disaster. Read more

Law Students to Compete in International Humanitarian Law Moot Court Competition

Five law schools in Rwanda, in partnership with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and Red Cross Rwanda, are organising the second national moot court competition on international humanitarian law. Read more

The Grade Conspiracy

Every student entertains, at some point or another, the ridiculously misguided belief that grades are given and not earned. Should they fail, they will raise questions on why you have failed them and pull tantrums in a concerted effort to change their grade to a pass. Read more

University of Rwanda Faulted Over Latest Reforms

The Higher Education Council has faulted the University of Rwanda for its latest round of restructuring and relocation of campuses and colleges without engaging and consulting the government. Read more

Use Your Skills to Create More Opportunities

Quality education empowers graduates to contribute to the country’s development because it equips them with proven competence and skills. Read more

31 August 2017

Rwandan Postgraduate Students Head to Japan Varsities under Africa Devt Plan

The fourth batch of fifteen candidates enrolled for post-graduate studies under Japan’s African Business Education (ABE) Initiative will today depart for Masters’ degree studies in the Asian country. Read more

Two Suspended Varsities Allowed to Re-Open

Students from two institutions of higher learning will be happy to learn that they can now proceed with their education after the regulator’s green light. Read more

University of Rwanda Slashes Course Duration

Social sciences and some science programmes at the University of Rwanda will be offered in three years instead of four starting next academic year. Read more

15 August 2017

Tertiary Institutions Must Break the Classroom-Workplace Barrier

The whole idea is to break the barrier between the classroom and the workplace. Learning should allow students to understand how ideas work in practice. Read more

15 July 2017

Capitalising On Africa’s Youth Dividend

For Africa, the question is no longer “if” students are taught, but “what.” Read more

Govt, World Bank Ink Rwf100bn Skills Development Deal

The Government and the World Bank on Monday signed a $120 million (about Rwf100 billion) financial agreement to support skills development across multiple sectors of the economy. Read more

15 June 2017

Rwf17 Billion Programme to Spur Youth Employment

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has launched a Rwf17.2 billion initiative, Huguka Dukore, that will help train 40,000 youths in workforce readiness skills by 2021. Read more

Embrace Inquiry-Based Learning for Better Results

Most accomplished teachers find questioning a very efficient way to keep students engaged.  They creatively formulate questions that productively aid the understanding of new concepts. But imagine flipping this role. What if students asked more and more questions? Read more

How to Create an Inclusive Environment in Class

Our classrooms are a tapestry of students with different cultures, socioeconomic circumstances, race and abilities. Whether intentional or not, there is social, emotional, physical and intellectual diversity even within the most seemingly cohesive group of students. Read more

Minister Nsengimana Appointed Chair of Global Forum on SDGs

Rwanda’s minister for Youth and ICT, Jean Philbert Nsengimana has been appointed as the Chair of World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Forum, a multi-stakeholder platform facilitating the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Read more

University of Rwanda in Fresh Round of Restructuring

University of Rwanda is in the process of restructuring to improve the quality of education, reduce expenses and create a friendly learning environment for students. Read more

Ulk Students Win Environment Debate Challenge

On 3rd June 2017, three students from Kigali Independent University ULK, Kigali Campus, won a debate challenge on environment. It was a competition organized by Gasore Serge Foundation to find out how much students from across the country are informed as far as environment is concerned. Read more

Student Leaders Urged To Fight HIV

Female university student leaders have been urged to sensitise their colleagues on the consequences of HIV/AIDS. Read more

Tired of Retakes? Here Is the Solution

University life comes with all the liberty, fun, excitement, drama and all the interesting things one would wish for. For students fresh from high school, the freedom is like that of a bird that has been set free from a cage. However, when one gets too consumed in the fun, academic concentration is compromised and in many cases retakes are an obvious occurrence. Read more

15 May 2017

How to Keep Your Brain in Top Shape

The human brain is a complex and peculiar organ that controls the psychological and physical well-being of the human body. Different researchers have made tremendous steps in discovering the working of the brain, and they all appear to concur that without proper nourishment, the brain can be as good as ‘useless’. Read more

Suspended Varsities Have Three Months to Comply or Face Permanent Closure

The 10 higher institutions of learning that were suspended in March have only three months left to meet all the requirements needed by Higher Education Council (HEC). Read more

30 April 2017

Higher Education Council to Blame for Varsity Suspensions

All of them can be blamed on the Higher Education Council who did not do a very good job while setting up standards that any institution, investor should comply with prior to opening a higher education of learning. Read more

Need to Keep Quality Even as Varsities Expand

The last twenty years or so have seen a huge expansion in higher education across Africa. More universities, both public and private, and offering more courses, have been established. Student enrolment is at an all time high. This is certainly true in Rwanda. Read more

New HEC Boss Speaks out on Suspended Universities

In March, the Ministry of Education suspended operations of four universities and some courses in six other institutions over irregularities including inadequate staff and teaching facilities, leaving thousands of students stranded. Read more

UNESCO Calls on Governments to Make Higher Education Equitable, Affordable

Ensuring those who need help the most are getting it and guaranteeing equity and affordability in regulatory frameworks are two of the ways policy makers need to consider in order to make higher education equitable and affordable for all, says a new report. Read more

Varsity Suspension: Joint Assessment Underway

The Higher Education Council has engaged professional bodies in the latest assessment of the requirements asked of the universities to be allowed to run suspended programmes. Read more

What Students Should Look out for When Choosing a University

According to experts, since students and parents are most affected when such situations happen, they need to be on the lookout for which institutions are credited and if they have what is required. Read more

15 March 2017

Exam Scores Are Being Used to Build Student Loan Credit Reports in Kenya

In Kenya – and Africa in general, where 80% of people lack access to formal financial services such as loans – traditional credit rating methods are often impractical. But alternative data may have the answer. Read more

Fresh Graduates Urged to Play Key Role in Boosting Tourism, Service Sectors

Graduates from the University of Tourism, Technology and Business Studies have been urged to put into practice the acquired knowledge to improve tourism and services industry in the country. Read more

Joining University: Early Preps Will Save You Last Minute Panic

Last month, the Ministry of Education released the 2016 A-level examination results. The general pass rate was registered at 89.5 per cent, a 0.3 per cent improvement from the 2015 performance. Read more

Get Closer To Your Teachers, Classmates for Support

The principal goal for all students is to achieve their own highest level of success in supportive classrooms, taught by teachers who give the tools to overcome obstacles and learn to their fullest potentials. Read more

15 February 2017

Focus on Raising Higher Education Standards

A senatorial committee that toured higher education sub-sector has noted that standards have improved over the last 22 years but institutions still suffer heavily from poor funding and shallow monitoring for quality assurance. Read more

MGU Rwanda to Launch ‘Education for All’ Scholarship Program

One hundred and ninety nine (199) girls and boys in Rwanda have been awarded scholarships by Mahatma Gandhi University (MGU) situated in Kabuga under the new scholarship program, “Education for All”. Read more

Senators Task Govt on Improving Higher Education Standards

Senators have asked the Government to move swiftly and assess the country’s higher education sector to address issues affecting it such as poor infrastructure, inadequate resources for students’ living and class practices as well as poor funding for academic research. Read more

Understanding the Growing Appetite for “Further Studies”

With a first class degree and a high end well-paying job, you would expect him to be content. But Felix is racing against time to finish his master’s degree before embarking on a PhD. Read more

31 January 2017

How Best Can Students Cope With Evening Classes?

Attending school in the evening is one of the common trends in higher education today, especially owing to the fact that most of such students are employed.. The situation is even more worrisome because research shows that evening students could incur some mental and physical problems resulting from overworking during day and studying at night. Read more

New Model to Harmonise Higher Education Fees in EAC under Study

The Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) is working to introduce a tool for calculating unit costs to help harmonise higher education fees, as part of its contribution to promoting equal opportunities for all higher education students in the region. Read more

15 November 2016

Govt Seeks to Scale up Access to Education

The Ministry of Education is rallying other partners including private sector, churches, NGOs, and civil society to mobilise resources to complement the education budget, currently at 13 per cent of total government budget, as part of efforts to increase access to education. Read more

Varsities Urged to Conduct Research

Public and private higher learning institutions should develop the culture of carrying out research in science and technology as enabler for development and transformation. Read more

31 October 2016

African Virtual University Opens New E-learning Centre at UR-CST

A distance and e-learning centre was last week launched at University of Rwanda’s College of Science and Technology to provide learners with greater access to higher education opportunities. Read more

Education Sector Moves to Domesticate SDGS

The education sector has policies and priorities in place that will ably facilitate the domestication and implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Read more

Reinvent to Diversify Africa’s Vasities into Centers of Innovation

Four of the highest recipients of Olympics medals are also permanent members of the United Nations Security Council. The US, UK, Russia and China rank on top not necessarily because they’re superpowers, but because they field competitors in nearly every sport. By winning five medals in taekwondo, African countries demonstrated they too can diversify into new sports and excel. Read more

Rwanda, Morocco Sign 19 Pacts as Kagame Hosts King Mohammed VI

Gatare also signed a memorandum of understanding for the establishment of the African Institute of Technology (AIT) as a world class higher education provider with a research focus in climate change, green value chain, megacities, population growth, among other areas. Read more

Student Loans Can Be Recovered

To say that the students’ loan issue has been poorly managed is an understatement. The systems in place were weak but nonetheless the unpleasant task of sorting the issues and subsequent loan recovery job has to be done to educate our younger brothers and sisters. Read more

30 September 2016

Are Universities Giving Students a Raw Deal?

The quality of a university degree has recently come under scrutiny following an increase in graduates entering the potential work force with limited skills. Read more

Kagame’s Address at Yale University Coca-Cola World Fund Lecture

We increasingly base our legitimacy on results achieved and on the views of our citizens, rather than on external validation. Read more

Why Rwanda Improved in New WEF Report on Competitiveness

The report also showed a need for improvement in higher education and training especially in specialised training services to meet the demands in the market. Read more

15 September 2016

Private Higher Learning Institutions Urged to Work in Harmony

Private higher learning institutions have been urged to work in harmony to deliver quality education. Read more

31 August 2016

10 ICT Professionals to Sharpen Skills in Japan Universities

Ten young professionals will this month head to Japan to acquire hands-on skills in information and communication technology (ICT) as part of efforts to strengthen economic ties between the private sectors in Rwanda and Japan. Read more

7469 Higher-Education Students to Receive Loans

The Rwanda Education Board has announced that 7,469 higher-education students have qualified for a student loan for the academic year 2016/17 while 10,026 other applications were rejected for different reasons. Read more

Bank Wants 37500 Scholarship Loans Defaulters to Pay Back

The Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD) has intensified its efforts to recover scholarship loans from over 50,000 beneficiaries. Read more

Confusion Surrounds Tuition Fees as Congolese Refugees Graduate

The University of Rwanda (UR) has denied claims that refugee University students have to pay higher scholarships compared to local students. Read more

Education Key to Fighting Discrimination, Says Official

The director-general of science, technology and research at the Ministry of Education has cited education as key to overcoming discrimination, and poverty in Rwanda and the region. Read more

Educators Should Push for Authenticity in Student Research

Most undergraduates have taken the maxim, “There is nothing new under the sun” too far. To them, research is a game of copy-paste or pay-and–get-it-done kind of thing. Read more

University Summer School Helps Students Understand the SDGs

Delegates from more than 40 universities from around the world have gathered at the University of Rwanda in the annual Summer School organized by the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU). Read more

UR Law School Looks To Revise Programme to Enhance Quality

The School of Law, University of Rwanda, is considering revising its programmes to improve quality of learning. Read more

31 July 2016

Higher Education Providers Require Close Supervision

The Ministry of Education should tighten its procedures with regard to starting a new university in Rwanda. Read more

Higher Education as a Pillar of Our Transformation Story

A record 8,500 students graduate from the University of Rwanda in the first ceremony at which graduands from all constituent colleges converge at the same venue to be conferred upon their degrees. Read more

Local Researchers Study Post-Genocide Challenges

Ten Rwandan researchers working under the tutelage Aegis Trust’s Research, Policy and Higher Education (RPHE) programme, have come up with research findings on post-Genocide challenges in Rwanda. Read more

Rwanda Envoy Negotiates Education Partnership with US Varsity

Rwanda’s Ambassador to Washington, has held discussions with St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, US on the possibility of a partnership with the University of Rwanda in priority areas. Read more

15 July 2016

JKUAT Commemorates

Staff and students of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial Center to honor victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. Read more

US$11 Million to Train Africa’s Future ICT Leaders

Carnegie Mellon University has received US$10.8 million from the MasterCard Foundation to help train the next generation of technology leaders and entrepreneurs at its campus in Rwanda. Read more

30 June 2016

54 Graduate from Kepler

54 students of Kepler, a Kigali-based programme, were awarded diplomas and degrees in various disciplines. Read more

Rwf8bn MasterCard Foundation deal to boost engineering skills

Rwanda’s quest to bridge the deficit in engineering skills across various disciplines received a boost. Read more

WB Boosts Higher Education with Rwf15bn Credit Facility

The Government of Rwanda and World Bank Group signed $20million (about Rwf15.3billion) credit facility agreement to strengthen higher education through research and training. Read more

15 June 2016

EAC Varsities Urged To Develop Innovative Products, Policies

The executive secretary of the Inter-University Council for East Africa, Prof. Alexandre Lyambabaje, called on universities to actively get involved with development of innovative products and policies. Read more

Kagame Challenges Students to Inspire Their Communities

President Paul Kagame has challenged African youths, who get opportunities to study from the world’s best schools, to keep their ambitions aligned with the greater targets of their native countries. Read more

Scholars Issue Alert over Genocide Denial

Experts from around the Great Lakes Region who are attending a meeting on genocide studies, in Kigali, have warned of growing denial of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Read more

15 May 2016

Varsity Education Offers Refugee Students Fresh Hope for the Future

Imagine completing secondary education and the road stops there. Read more

30 April 2016

Univ. of Rwanda Launches Online Masters of Communication Management Course

The University of Rwanda has launched an online post-graduate programme, Masters of Communication Management (EMCM). Read more

Scholars Discuss Future of Traditional Medicine

Mechanisms should be put in place to promote indigenous knowledge that impacts public health, scholars have said. Read more

15 April 2016

NGO Expands Tertiary Education to Remote Refugee Camp

An innovative non-governmental organisation is breaking some of the toughest barriers to attaining a university education imaginable. Read more

Rwanda Takes Long View to Invest in African Science

Rwanda has chosen to invest on both fronts and several initiatives testify to this, from the Quantum Leap Africa Research Centre. Read more

UR’s College of Agric wins EAC Inter–University Debate Competition

College of Agriculture & Veterinary Medicine (UR-CAVM) emerged winners of the concluded Inter- University Debate Competition on East African Community integration. Read more

15 March 2016

University of Kigali Opens Musanze Campus

There is need for the education sector to understand local needs and deliver quality education that responds to those needs for sustainable development. Read more

Science, Innovation Key to Sustainable Prosperity

President Paul Kagame has called on African nations to scale up investments in research to increase impact of science in development. Read more

Rwandan Masters Students Graduate from US Varsity

Rwanda’s partnership and close ties with world leading universities has in recent years contributed to the growth of a pool of professionals in the country. Read more

29 February 2016

How Do We Improve the Quality of Our Graduates?

As student in a sea of many weak areas to be tackled by the stakeholders in our education industry, there are three important key areas that would likely trigger a higher standard of the graduates’ quality. Read more

Rethinking College Degrees and Workplace Performance Appraisal

There has been a concerned murmur reported in the media about “unmarketable” university degrees by some students, worried that they will not get jobs with the courses they have been pursuing. Read more

Smart Jobs Needed to Match Smart Rwanda

Most Rwandan graduates are unemployed because they are selective with jobs. Read more

Teachers’ Platform: Are Universities Giving Us A Raw Deal?

The main purpose of higher learning institutions, primarily universities, is to have a two-pronged approach in the search of knowledge to develop the highest degree of creative thought and to contribute to the solutions to concrete needs of society. Read more

January 2016

Gicumbi Varsity Pledges Quality Following Upgrade

Officials from Gicumbi-based University of Technology and Arts of Byumba (UTAB) have pledged to offer quality education that will not only be driven by the labour market, but also the country’s development aspirations. Read more

ULK Gisenyi Staff and Students Briefed On Heroism

As Rwandans get ready to mark the 21st National Heroes Day, different personalities are moving around the country to share with people views on what heroism is all about. Read more

ULK Polytechnic Institute in Partnership with CMU-Rwanda Organizes a Presentation On New Protection In Power Networks

ULK Polytechnic Institute students and administrative cadres met with a delegation from Carnegie Mellon University – Rwanda campus. The meeting was held on the topics of New Protection in Power Networks. Read more

UR Has Potential to Become a Global University

Three years ago, public universities merged to form the University of Rwanda (UR). With this merger, a single entity was born to address the key challenges that affected the quality of higher education, and to subsequently contribute to national development. Read more

UTB Graduates Tipped On Jobs

University graduates in the country have been urged to put into practice the acquired knowledge and skills to create their own jobs. Read more

December 2015

Education Sector Qualification Frameworks to Be Harmonised

The Ministry of Education is seeking to consolidate the four sector qualification frameworks into a single entity called the Rwanda National Qualification Framework (RNQF). Read more

Is Your University, Course Accredited?

The Ministry of Education took a spontaneous decision to ban some courses taught at three universities in Rwanda. The suspended courses included bachelor of nursing, bachelor of pharmacy, bachelor of medical laboratory science and bachelor of public health. Read more

Thomson Reuters Conducts a One Day Research Capacity Building Workshop at ULK

Conducting Research is a prerequisite responsibility within higher learning institutions. As its mission states; Kigali Independent University ULK aims to educate, teach, conduct research and serve the community. Read more

November 2015

Founder and President of Ulk Launches a Three Year Hospital Project Founder and President of ULK, launched a three year project of construction of ULK Hospital as well as the School of Medicine. Read more

Higher Learning Institutions Challenged To Promote Entrepreneurship among Students Institutions of higher learning have a big role to play in instilling an entrepreneur culture among youth. Read more

Prof. Lyambabaje Takes Over Inter University Council Leadership Former Commerce Minister has taken over as the new executive secretary of the Inter University Council of East Africa (IUCEA). Read more

Turkey in Africa: A Humanitarian Approach When it comes to education, Turkey provides around one thousand scholarships every year for students from Africa. There are currently over five thousand African students in higher education in Turkey. Read more

ULK Ranks #1 In World University Rankings For Rwandan Universities According to 4icu ranking metrics, Kigali Independent University ULK is the #1 university in Rwanda (Public as well as Private universities). Read more

Why Rwanda’s Move to English? The world has witnessed substantial positive changes in Rwanda over the past few years, with many more on the horizon. Read more

October 2015

Higher Education Needs to Become More Relevant Universities should not only offer courses that are relevant to the job market but those courses should also qualify to be university courses. Read more

International Campus Hit by Temporary Closure Order Plans by one of Kenya’s fastest growing private universities to become a regional higher education powerhouse are running into headwinds after the government of Rwanda last month ordered the closure of Mount Kenya University or MKU, Kigali campus. Read more

Learning from Germany & Singapore Takes More than Aping Education Practices On September 30, The New Times (Rwanda) reported that the East African Community (EAC) resolved to benchmark education practices from Singapore and Germany. On the same day, Uganda’s The Observer published a treatise by Ugandan sage, about the genesis and meaning of Ubuntu as a philosophy. Read more

Rwanda Could be an Academic Hub for EAC The Mahatma Gandhi University (MGU) has also set up a world class campus in Kabuga, in addition to the existing campus which is presently operational in the heart of Kigali City. Read more

Tracing the Birth of University of Rwanda You might want to know that UR, called National University of Rwanda then, was born in Butare at a time when the word ‘university’ was just a tale to the ears of the Rwandan community. Read more

Who’s to Blame for the Lack of Employment After Graduation? The government is doing everything to have more job creators than seekers, as well as create a pool of graduates that can grab the available jobs before they fly off to foreign countries. Read more

September 2015

Biotechnology Lab to Enhance Research A new biotechnology laboratory has been opened at University of Rwanda’s Huye campus to help enhance research in agriculture and health. Read more

EAC Seeks to Learn Higher Education Practices From Germany, Singapore As the East African Community (EAC) moves to enhance its higher education system, it is looking to borrow a leaf from countries such as Germany and Singapore that have excelled in linking academia to the world of work. Read more

Education Loan: Why Should Employers Be Held to Account? Whatever employers and lawyers want, this is a historical moment in education. If your judgment begins with scepticism, your ruling will equally be minus. Read more

Lawmakers Approve Bill on Varsity Study Loan Financing A proposed law that seeks to govern students’ bursaries and loans in post-secondary education and thus ease recovery process. Read more

Rwanda Military Academy Starts Degree Programme Rwanda Military Academy, Gako, has launched a four-year bachelor’s degree in Social and Military Science cadet course. Read more

Why Girls Should Embrace Sciences The full participation of women in science and technology at the leadership level is crucial for realization of Rwanda’s Development Vision 2020. Read more

August 2015

35 Rwandans Win Chinese Scholarships The Chinese government has awarded scholarships to 35 Rwandan students to pursue studies in various disciplines at various levels of higher education in China. Read more

Did HEC Act in Haste to Suspend Varsities? As things are, Higher Education Council (HEC) was informed of the decision to open Musanze Campus way back in December 2014, and University of Kigali (UoK) management had invested huge sums of money on this branch. HEC should audit before suspending a campus. Read more

Pass English or Repeat: How Best Can Universities Deal with Proficiency Tests? Recently, the University of Rwanda College of Science and Technology blocked 156 students from proceeding to the next level for one reason. Read more

Private Universities Warned on Unauthorised Operations The Ministry of Education has warned that private universities in the country that start new academic programmes and open campuses before being accredited will be closed. Read more

University of Rwanda Has Restructured to Meet International Standards Despite impressive numbers of graduates, there are concerns by a section of employers on their quality and relevance to the job market. Read more

 

July 2015

Are Our University Graduates Universally Competitive? The simplest way to define higher education institutes/universities in Rwanda is that they offer degree certificates. Read more

Tertiary Institutions Should Focus on Research This is a serious burden that is weighing our economy down and making our country helplessly impoverished in skills and service; nonetheless, it has not been taken with a grain of salt. Read more

The Dilemma of a Fresh Graduate Thousands of students will be graduating from many universities in the country. These will join many more that have walked Kigali streets for years without finding a job. Read more

Why We Should Bridge the Gap between Research and Policy In the context of globalisation and the world’s complexities, the need for sharing knowledge between higher learning institutions and community has become increasingly evident in recent years. Read more

 

June 2015

Six Rwandans Depart for YALI Fellowship Six young Rwandan professionals left the country for the United States after they were selected to take part in the second session of the Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI) Mandela Washington Fellowship. Read more

Fostering Entrepreneurship Among Rwandan Youth; More Questions Than Answers The University of Rwanda’s College of Business and Economics (UR-CEB) posed a question of key concern to the country: How do we foster youth entrepreneurship and innovation? Read more

University Students are Plagiarising? Say It ain’t so? A highly popular news story last week was about the plight of five university students under investigation by a disciplinary committee in one of our universities. The crime: plagiarism. Read more

African Academicians Called on to Drive Economic Growth Academicians, policymakers and partners in education should streamline ideas on how to enhance the quality of higher education in Africa and adapt the knowledge to the continent’s economic development in order to turn it into a knowledge-based economy. Read more

 

MAY 2015

How Bridge2Rwanda Has Shaped All-Round Academic Giants Bridge2Rwanda was formed in 2007 to help expand Rwanda’s global network of friends, encourage foreign direct investment, and to create opportunities for Rwandan students to study abroad. Read more

Education Ministry Should Streamline its Regulatory Mechanism A dispute has ensued between Institut Superieur Pedagogique de Gitwe (ISPG) and a group of former students who accuse it of providing them with knowledge that is substandard after the latter were supposedly found unfit for the labour market. Read more

Would You Do an Exam on Your Day of Worship? If tests or exams happened to fall on Saturday, while her fellow students went into the examination hall, she remained locked up in her hostel reading the Bible, before finally heading to church where she spent the rest of the day. Read more

Wrangles Pit ISPG Graduates Against School Administration Recent graduates from the ISPG (Institut Supérieur Pédagogique de Gitwe) Faculty of Biomedical Sciences have accused the college of not training them to the standards expected by the labour market. Read more

 

April 2015

Wanted: The University of Rwanda’s Worst Enemy Higher education in Rwanda has undergone major changes over the past five years. The most significant change saw the transformation of six independent public universities into colleges under the umbrella of the University of Rwanda (UR). Read more

UR’s Timely Response Commendable I am satisfied with the response by the University of Rwanda. I understand the challenges they are facing and appreciate what they are doing to solve it. Read more

New Dawn: Cabinet Approves Varsity Loan Scheme for Rollout The cabinet has opened the door to the implementation of the university loan scheme under the Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD) following its approval of the students funding mechanism. Read more

 

March 2015

Top French Tourism School to Open Campus in Kigali The hospitality sector is set to receive a boost once Vatel, an international tourism institute, establishes a campus in the country. The renowned institution for hotel and tourism management plans to establish its first ever Sub-Saharan Africa campus in Kigali. Read more

Turkish Universities in Hunt For Rwandan Students Turkish Universities are in a drive to attract more Rwandan students. This was disclosed on Saturday during an education fair organised by seven private universities from Turkey in Kigali. Read more

Tanzanian University Holds First Graduation in Kibungo The Open University of Tanzania (OUT) that opened its doors in Rwanda in 2012, Friday graduated its first lot of students at a ceremony held in Kibungo, Ngoma District. Read more

Quality Education: Varsities Should Follow Through on Their Promise Over the weekend senior lecturers and professors from public and private institutions of higher learning committed to improving the quality of education in the country by signing performance contracts, best known locally as Imihigo. Read more

Should University Education Be Free? It is far from impossible to have free university education, the cost of that would be very high and simply unsustainable. Read more

INES Graduates Tipped on Job Creation Graduates from Ruhengeri Institute of Higher Education (INES) have been urged to be innovative and create their own jobs instead of wasting time moving from one government office to another looking for employment. Read more

Rural Infrastructure Devt Will Attract Youth to Agric. In the age of Smartphones, fast fashion, and digital entertainment –how do we make agriculture appealing to young people and those with higher education? Read more

 

FEBRUARY 2015

Senegalese Minister Tours UR, Calls for More Partnerships The quality of higher education on the continent will be enhanced if African countries strengthen partnerships that allow them to share the resources, visiting Senegalese minister for higher education and research notes. Read more

 

JANUARY 2015

Higher Education Embraces Kiswahili to Boost Regional Integration Rwandan universities have embarked on an ambitious programme to teach Kiswahili to enable the country’s populace to tap regional integration. Read more

 

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