Chairman of the Board of Promoters, Professor Nshuti Manasseh, presided over a warm reception and farewell ceremony for twelve students connected through the Erasmus+ Student Exchange Program between the University of Kigali and the University of Ostrava in the Czech Republic.
The occasion brought together six students from the University of Ostrava, accompanied by their parents, who had just completed an intensive eight-month academic and cultural exchange in Czech republic Europe . These students had been fully integrated into the academic programs of the School of Computing and IT, participated in local innovation hubs, and engaged with Rwandan students through collaborative projects and community initiatives.
At the same time, six students from the University of Kigali were formally introduced as outgoing participants in the next phase of the exchange. These students will soon embark on their journey to the Czech Republic, where they will spend the next academic semester studying technology and innovation at the University of Ostrava.
In his keynote speech, Professor Nshuti Manasseh welcomed the visiting families and expressed deep appreciation for the trust and collaboration fostered through this cross-border academic initiative. He commended the students from Ostrava for embracing the Rwandan culture and upholding the values of global citizenship during their time in Kigali.
Turning his attention to the outgoing University of Kigali students, Professor Nshuti offered heartfelt advice and encouragement. “You are not only academic ambassadors of the University of Kigali but also cultural ambassadors of Rwanda,” he stated. “Let your discipline, humility, and commitment to excellence speak volumes in every classroom and every interaction you will have in Europe.” He stressed the importance of adaptability, respect for diversity, and academic integrity. With a reminder of the high expectations resting on their shoulders, he urged them to make the most of the opportunity, build international networks, and return home with knowledge and experiences that will contribute to Rwanda’s socio-economic development.
Professor Kimathi George, Vice Chancellor of the University of Kigali, highlighted the university’s strategic commitment to international partnerships and its drive to cultivate global competencies among its students. “This program is not just about academic credits, it is about mindset, exposure, and the experience of innovation in different contexts,” he remarked.
Professor Ogechi Adeola, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, applauded the students’ courage to step beyond borders and encouraged them to pursue excellence with curiosity and resilience. She emphasized the Erasmus+ program as a model of educational diplomacy, fostering collaboration, peace, and shared knowledge between continents.
, Dean of the School of Computing and IT, shared insights into how the collaboration with the University of Ostrava began under the Erasmus+ framework, pointing out how the School of Computing and IT has become a leading pillar in driving internationalization within the university. He affirmed the school’s commitment to nurturing future-ready graduates with digital skills aligned to global demands.
The Erasmus+ program, funded by the European Union, continues to be a powerful platform for fostering academic mobility, cross-cultural engagement, and institutional development. Since the launch of the partnership between the University of Kigali and the University of Ostrava.
