Graduate school strengthens research ties with the university of Fort Hare from South Africa
The University of Kigali Graduate School has embarked on strengthening research intensity by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Fort Hare from South Africa. The Dean Graduate School revealed after his participation in the University of Fort Hare Research week of Excellence held from November 13 to 16, 2023 at the Alice Campus Professor Sakhela Buhlungu, Vice-Chancellor University of Fort Hare speaking during the research week The University of Fort Hare is a public higher education institution which was founded in 1916 and is committed to the promotion of research as a core university activity and to the building of research capacity. Its research strategy recognizes the need for research to address local, regional and national needs. It seeks ways to engage in a critical dialogue with partners to build research in areas which complement the University’s historical niche as an African university whilst ensuring internationally recognized excellence. The University Fort Hare is supported by the National Research Foundation and participates in its IRDP, Thuthuka and Focus Area Programmes. Among the areas the University of Kigali will benefit include The University of Fort Hare Research Niche areas namely: Water Resource Management; Sustainable Agriculture and Land Use Strategies; Culture, Heritage and Social Transformation; and Rural Household Economics. In collaboration with THRIP, Telkom funds a Centreof Excellence in the Computer Science Department. The University Fort Hare has major supporters of research including CSIR, ESKOM, the Medical Research Council, the Mellon Foundation, SANPAD, the Development Bankof South Africa and the Water Research Commission, as well as national and provincial government departments. Research administration at the Faculty level is overseen by the Faculty Research Committees, which coordinate and promote research among staff and students while the administration and promotion of post‐graduate studies at the Faculty level is overseen by the Faculty Higher Degree Committees. The office of the Dean of Research is housed in the Govan Mbeki Research and Development Centre (GMRDC) based at both the Alice and East London Campuses. The Agreement will foster joint research projects, training and teaching; Joint supervision of graduate and Post Graduate Students Jointly organizing conferences, seminars and symposia collaborative curriculum development and review; Faculty, Students and Staff mobility; exchange of academic materials and information; study abroad programmes and exchange internship programmes. The Dean Graduate School Dr Kwena Ronald ( right) and Prof Shambare Richard (Middle), Dean Faculty of Management and Commerce and Prof Chinyamurindi Willie during Research week of Excellence. The University of Fort Hare Research week of Excellence also allowed Dr Kwena to Attend the overarching plenary session where the key address was delivered by Distinguished Professor of Education at Stellenbosch University and President of the Academy of Science of South Africa, Prof Jonathan Jansen. Prof Jonathan Jansen delivering his key address during the annual Research Week of Excellence (RWE) Dr Kwena also attended esentations by academics from various Faculty of Management and Commerce including the Dean of Management and Commerce, Prof Shambare Richard who presented on publishing; Postgraduate Studies (postdoc fellows and postgraduate students) session, Dr. Jill M. Humphries, an assistant professor and part-time instructor for the University of Toledo’s Africana Studies Program in the United States delivered the keynote address at the University of Fort Hare (UFH) 2023 Research Week of Excellence (RWE) postgraduate conference currently taking place on the Alice Campus; Intellectual Property & Innovation session; VC’s Excellence Awards in Research & Innovation, whose keynote was Prof Himla Soodyal, a renowned South African geneticist who led the groundbreaking genetics research that identified some of the oldest DNA found in living people today, mainly in sub-Saharan Africa. Prof Shambare Richard Dean Faculty of Management and Commerce presenting during the Research week. During the visit Dr Kwena Delivered a public lecture on How “Rwanda as a Project; The Singapore of Africa Success story” based on literature review and observation. The lecture focused on how Rwanda has succeeded by embracing effective project management to achieve its objectives. The Dean Graduate School Dr Kwena Ronald (Far right) and Prof Shambare Richard (Third right), Dean Faculty of Management and Commerce during Research week of Excellence. The Dean Graduate School also interacted and networked with various faculty members and in different fields including but not limited to Information science, management science and health sciences.
Dr Kwena Ronald appointed doctoral examiner at the American University of Nigeria.
The Dean Graduate School at University of Kigali Dr Kwena Ronald has been appointed as a Doctoral Examiner at the American University of Nigeria. This was announced by the Dean School of Graduate Studies from American University of Nigeria Professor Chris Mbah who is also serving and Interim Dean, school of Business and Entrepreneurship. Dr Kwena Ronald (Left) and Professor Chris Mbah (Right) during a courtesy call at University of Kigali. In a news bulleting; Professor Chris Mbah revealed that “A little over a year ago, the Dean of Graduate School (Professor Chris Mbah) at the American University of Nigeria visited the University of Kigali to initiate a collaborative relationship between the two institutions. This relationship centered on graduate research and innovative teaching between the two institutions. “We are delighted to announce today that DR RONALD KWENA will be among three (3) other Professors to examine the inaugural doctoral candidate for the PhD Degree in Business Administration at the Business School of the American University of Nigeria. Please kindly join us to CONGRATULATE Dr. Ronald for this initiative, as we look forward to further fruitful collaborations in the future.” The Inaugural examination a doctoral candidate for the PhD Degree in Business Administration at the Business School of the American University of Nigeria took place on November 23, 2023.
The University of Kigali (UoK) hosted Professor Emeritus Muhammad Ahmad Abdel-Dayem from the Zagazig University, Egypt on 6th February 2024
The University of Kigali (UoK) hosted Professor Emeritus Muhammad Ahmad Abdel-Dayem from the Zagazig University, Egypt on 6th February 2024. Prof. Abdel-Dayem, a Professor of International Education and Educational Administration visited UoK to discuss matters relating to partnership, institutional collaboration, capacity building and curriculum development between the two universities. The UoK team comprised Prof. Felix Maringe, the DVC-IDRI, Prof. Abdulrazaq Olayinka Oniye, the Dean, School of Education, Dr. Elizabeth Akinyi-Owino, the Director of Quality Assurance and Mr. Aaron Turamye, Resource Mobilization Manager. The parties discussed other mutual areas of collaboration including staff and student exchange programmes, joint conferences, joint research publication and most importantly capacity-building for UoK staff to pursue PhD studies at the University of Zagazig as well as curriculum development in the area of STEM Education to be anchored by the University of Kigali in partnership with the University of Zagazig, Egypt and possibly the American University in Egypt.
University of Kigali Graduate School launches Innovative Research Mentorship Seminars for Young Researchers.
The University of Kigali (UoK) Graduate School has partnered with the prestigious South African University of Fort Hare’s Faculty of Management and Economics to unveil a series of monthly research mentorship seminars aimed at enabling emerging scholars. Professor Shambare Richardson, the illustrious Dean of the Faculty of Management and Economics at the University of Fort Hare, unveiled this exciting initiative during the program’s launch. “It’s all made possible through a rock-solid Memorandum of Understanding between the two esteemed institutions.” Prof. Richardson Shambare and Dr. Juliet Townes during the meeting. Dr. Townes Juliet, Head, Department of Business Management at the University of Fort Hare, set the stage for the 2024 seminar series as she presented topics ranging from Bibliometric analysis Developing case studies, Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), Policy–related publications, information technology tools in research and E-learning pedagogy. The workshop series focus The conversation extended beyond just seminars and explored avenues for collaboration in grant applications, with Prof. Chimucheka Tendai highlighting attractive opportunities funded by the South African NRF that could pave the way for staff and student mobility. Mark your calendars for the first event on May 2, 2024. Heralding this partnership as a beacon of academic synergy, Prof. Maringe Felix, the Deputy Vice Chancellor – Institutional Development, Research, and Innovation, along with Prof. Ogechi Adeola, the Deputy Vice Chancellor – Academic at the University of Kigali expressed their gratitude for the collaboration’s potential to nurture emerging scholars. Dr. Kwena Ronald, Dean of the UoK Graduate School shed light on the multifaceted collaboration envisioned under the Memorandum of Understanding. From joint-research projects to faculty mobility, exchange programs, and beyond, this partnership promises a wealth of opportunities for academic growth and collaboration. With a fervent commitment to fostering academic excellence and nurturing research acumen, the University of Kigali takes center stage in empowering the next generation of scholars. The Dean added that the series will help in nurturing the intellectual aspirations of its students and scholars, the university paves the way for a brighter, more enlightened future—one where knowledge knows no bounds and the pursuit of truth reigns supreme.
University of Kigali pays Health Insurance for over 500 Kigali Residents and participates in Umuganda
Officials and students of University of Kigali (UoK), on Saturday, October 28 participated in community work (Umuganda) in Kigali and reached out to 566 needy residents in Kimihurura Sector by paying health insurance for them. “As a university we want to show our young Rwandan and international students that helping others is a responsibility,” said Professor Manasseh Nshuti, the UoK Board of Promoters’ Chairman. He added that the health insurance support is aimed at promoting the health of the beneficiaries so that they can take care of their families and serve their country. The Umuganda event was attended by a number of local government officials from the City of Kigali administration. Among these was Mr. Merard Mpabwanamaguru, the Vice-Mayor in charge of Urbanisation and Infrastructure, who appreciated UoK’s gesture as he reflected on the importance of health insurance.
Unlocking Intellectual Horizons: University of Kigali Graduate School hosts Masters Research Workshop
To promote research excellence, the University of Kigali Graduate School hosted an enriching Masters Research Workshop on Saturday, April 6, 2024. Esteemed scholars, seasoned mentors, and budding researchers converged to partake in a symphony of knowledge exchange and academic exploration. Participants during the workshop. The workshop, which is part of the Graduate School’s initiative to boost research capacity targeted Graduate students, focusing on research methodology. The Chief Guest was Dr. Willy Mugenzi, The Chief Operations Officer at Rwanda Cooperation. In his presentation, Dr. Mugenzi highlighted the importance of appropriate sampling methodology and encouraged students to understand theapplicability of different sampling techniques. Dr. Mugenzi Willy making his presentation during the workshop. The workshop was hosted by Dr. Kwena Ronald, the Dean Graduate School, Prof. Maringe Felix, the Deputy Vice Chancellor – Institutional Development, Research and Innovation and Prof. Ogechi Adeola, the Deputy Vice Chancellor – Academic. Prof Felix Maringe making his remarks during the workshop The workshop was also facilitated by Dr. Mudaheranwa Benjamin from University of Rwanda; Dr. Owino Elizabeth, the Director of Quality Assurance; Dr. Kato Mahazi, a Finance & Accounting Senior Lecturer; Dr. Kabanda Richard, An Economics Senior Lecturer; Dr. Bugingo Emmanuel, an Information Technology Lecturer and Dr. Nimpano Desire, a Procurement and Supply Chain Management Lecturer. Dr. Kabanda Richard making his presentation The Dean Graduate School emphasized that the Masters Research Workshop hosted by the University of Kigali stands as a testament to the institution’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence and research prowess. The Dean added that against the backdrop of Rwanda’s burgeoning academic landscape, this workshop emerges as a pivotal milestone in the university’s journey towards scholarly prominence.
