Staff Exchange Program Between UoK and University of Nicosia, #A Remarkable Experience!
The recent staff exchange between our University and the University of Nicosia, Cyprus has proven to be an invaluable experience for both institutions. Over the course of the program, the team engaged in stimulating discussions, shared best practices, and gained insightful perspectives on various aspects of University administration, including leadership, Information technology, admission, capacity building and student support. On the first day, the campus tour of the University of Kigali offered the visiting team a comprehensive understanding of our institution’s infrastructure and facilities. This tour highlighted our commitment to providing a conducive learning environment and showcased the effectiveness of our resource management strategies. The subsequent meetings with UoK’s senior management and department heads provided the team from the University of Nicosia with deep insights into our university’s vision and leadership strategies. Training sessions were conducted by our Deputy Vice Chancellors—Academics, Institutional Development, Research & Innovation, and Finance and Administration and Dean School of Business and Economics. The UoK presentation delivered by our Director of International Affairs and Partnerships offered a thorough overview of UoK, including its history, vision, mission, outstanding achievements, student statistics, our partners and potential areas for collaboration. These training sessions, along with the UoK presentation equipped our guests with valuable knowledge applicable to their professional endeavours. On the third day, the diverse presentations from various UoK departments were both informative and thought-provoking. Topics included Inclusive Education, best practices in ICT, marketing strategies, quality standards, and Campus life. These discussions promoted innovation and problem-solving and highlighted our emphasis on holistic student development through extracurricular activities like sports and youth groups. The fourth day featured a presentation by the team from the University of Nicosia, fostering dialogue and exploring potential future collaborations between our institutions. Meetings with the registrar and principal of the Musanze campus provided further insights into registration and admission procedures, while also showcasing the opportunities available at the University of Nicosia. This Erasmus Staff Exchange Programme has not only strengthened our partnership with the University of Nicosia but has also contributed to a richer global network for both institutions. The program has promoted cultural exchange, facilitated the sharing of best practices, and advanced our mutual goals of innovation and organisational excellence. As emphasised by Andrea, a representative from the University of Nicosia, “I am truly grateful for this opportunity and highly recommend the program to anyone seeking to broaden their horizons, expand their professional network, and experience a different University environment.”
Friendly Football Match Between UoK Kigali and UoK Musanze Ends in a Draw
On August 15, 2024, University of Kigali’s two campuses—Kigali and Musanze—competed in a friendly football match at the Rwanda National Police (RNP) Musanze pitch. The game, which started later than planned due to travel delays, was intense and full of action. Match Recap: First Half: UoK Kigali took an early lead with goals in the 18th and 26th minutes. UoK Musanze responded with a goal in the 32nd minute, ending the half at 2-1 in favour of UoK Kigali. Second Half: UoK Kigali extended their lead with a goal in the 8th minute. UoK Musanze fought back, scoring twice in the 16th and 29th minutes, bringing the match to a 3-3 draw. Staff Both teams played with great sportsmanship despite a few minor injuries. The event was a success, and we look forward to more such engagements that promote teamwork and healthy competition among our staff and students.
University of Kigali Sends Top IT Students to Ostrava University for Exchange Programme
The University of Kigali, through its School of Information Technology (IT), will send six top-performing students to the University of Ostrava in the Czech Republic for a four-month exchange programme. The selected students will study three courses, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Cybersecurity. This announcement was made during an event at the University of Kigali on September 6. The exchange programme between the University of Ostrava and the University of Kigali allows students from both institutions to experience each other’s academic environments. Dr Wilson Musoni, Dean of the School of Computing and IT, explained that the chosen students, recognised for their outstanding performance, will receive a monthly allowance of 600 euros. He also assured that the school will continue to support them throughout their stay, with regular online meetings to monitor their progress. Prof Manasseh Nshuti, Chairman of the Board of Promoters, while addressing the parents and the students, emphasised the importance of student development, highlighting the institution’s diverse teaching staff. “We want the development of the students, which is why we have many teachers from different countries. Our goal is for students to become important people for the country and the world at large,” he said. He also stressed the joint responsibility of parents and educators in guiding students. “These are children. As parents and teachers, we have to work together to raise them. These students have worked well, but they must keep it up. They still have a long journey ahead. This is an ongoing process, so parents need to support them, and the students must keep working hard,” he said. Speaking about the institution’s partnerships, Nshuti noted that there are more than five such collaborations in Africa and Europe, including the one with the Czech Republic. “Sending them abroad will help them develop themselves. IT is crucial and can change both the country and the student’s life, but studying it requires knowledge,” he explained. “The job market will welcome you if you stay focused. Have goals, and don’t let distractions like sleep or other things get in the way. You will encounter different cultures, and some people may try to distract you, but stay disciplined,” he added. He also urged the students to represent Rwanda proudly. “Show that Rwanda has the capacity and strong representatives. Represent your country and culture well, study diligently, and be a good example for others.” Prof Felix Maringe, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, discussed the significance of the partnership between his institution and the University of Ostrava. He said: “The connection of our institution to the world, to the rest of the world, is extremely important. The knowledge that we can develop here ourselves as an institution can never be enough to reflect on the broader nature of issues that are happening in the world,” he said. Maringe noted the value of the student exchange programmes that are part of this collaboration, particularly in nurturing future leaders. “Partnerships, particularly those that involve student exchange, help us create a core of leadership amongst students who understand the realities of the world not just from the narrow perspective of our country, but from a broader perspective of the globe and of the world,” he added. Deputy Vice Chancellor (DVCA), Prof Ogechi Adeola, emphasized the importance of seizing this rare opportunity. She urged the students to take full advantage of the chance to study abroad, while also requesting strong parental support throughout their time in Europe. “This is an opportunity that comes once in a while,” Adeola noted. “You must take it seriously and approach it with focus and commitment. Studying at Ostrava University, especially in fields like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics, and Cybersecurity, is an incredible experience that will shape your future.” In addition to the university’s support, Professor Adeola stressed the critical role of parents during this period. “We request that parents stay close and maintain regular communication with their children while they are in Europe. Your support and guidance are vital to helping them stay disciplined and focused during this important chapter of their lives.” Mari Louise Tuyisenge, a second-year Computer Science student, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity, saying, “I’m happy because not everyone gets this chance, and I plan to make the most of it. “This opportunity will help me gain valuable experience, allowing me to grow and change my life. Being able to practice what I learn will give me an advantage in the job market, where experience is important in securing a good position,” she added. Abdul Karim Harerimana, a parent, shared his joy and hopes for his child’s future. “I’m happy my child received this opportunity. As a parent, I believe this will help my child progress from one level to the next, and with each step, they will gain more knowledge and skills. This growth will benefit them and contribute to our country’s development and make us proud.”
University of Kigali Establishes Directorate of Research and Innovation to Champion Innovative Research, Grants Management, and High-Impact Research Output
The University of Kigali has established a Directorate of Research and Innovation, a significant step towards enhancing its research capabilities and contributing to Rwanda’s national development. This new initiative is poised to become a cornerstone of the university’s ambition to foster innovative research, effectively manage grants, and produce high-impact research outputs that address pressing societal challenges. This comes on the backdrop of a University of Kigali Master of Science in Economics graduate winning the inaugural 2022 National Bank of Rwanda (BNR) Postgraduate Research Competition. The creation of the Directorate of Research and Innovation marks a pivotal moment in the University of Kigali’s evolution as a leading academic institution. This new directorate will drive cutting-edge research across various disciplines, promote interdisciplinary collaboration, and ensure that the university’s research endeavours align with national priorities and global trends. The directorate’s core mandate includes championing innovative research initiatives, managing research grants, and enhancing the quality and impact of research outputs. By providing strategic leadership and support, the Directorate of Research and Innovation will empower researchers at the University of Kigali to engage in groundbreaking research that has the potential to transform lives and communities. One of the directorate’s key objectives is to enhance the university’s capacity to secure research funding and effectively manage grants. This will involve building robust systems for grant management, providing training and support to researchers in grant writing and administration, and ensuring compliance with funding requirements. Through these efforts, the University of Kigali will position itself as a hub for research funding and innovation in the region. The establishment of the Directorate of Research and Innovation at the University of Kigali is a clear indication of the institution’s commitment to becoming a leader in research and innovation in Africa. The Directorate is expected to make significant contributions to the university’s strategic goals, including enhancing the quality and impact of research outputs, promoting knowledge transfer, and driving socio-economic development. As the University of Kigali embarks on this exciting new chapter, the Directorate of Research and Innovation will play a crucial role in shaping the future of research at the university and beyond. By championing innovative research, managing grants effectively, and producing high-impact research outputs, the directorate will contribute to the university’s mission of excellence in education, research, and community service. To spearhead this transformative initiative, the University of Kigali has appointed Dr. Kwena Ronald as the Director of Research and Innovation. Dr. Ronald is a distinguished academic with extensive experience in research management, innovation, and academic leadership, having previously served as the Dean of the Graduate School at the University of Kigali, where he oversaw tremendous progress. His appointment is expected to bring a wealth of expertise and visionary leadership to the newly established directorate. Dr. Ronald’s academic journey is marked by a strong commitment to advancing knowledge through research; he is well-positioned to lead the University of Kigali in this new era of research excellence. Under Dr. Ronald’s leadership, the Directorate of Research and Innovation will prioritize the development of research programs that address critical issues facing Rwanda and the broader African continent. By fostering a culture of innovation and encouraging collaboration between academia, industry, and government, the directorate aims to generate research outputs that are not only academically rigorous but also practically relevant.
UoK pays tribute to Genocide victims
Students and staff of the University of Kigali paid tribute to victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in a commemoration event held Kigali Genocide Memorial, on June 8. The event was preceded with a walk to remember to the memorial site. Led by the University’s Vice Chancellor Prof. David Wang’ombe alongside with other guests, including City of Kigali vice mayor in charge of Urbanisation and Infrastructure, Merard Mpabwanamaguru and accompanied by the students, showcased the commitment to preserving history and fostering a deeper understanding of the nation’s tragic past. The Vice Chancellor, overwhelmed by sorrow, highlighted the university’s commitment to remember saying that commemoration creates an opportunity to unite and be part of education progress. “I see a strong sense of unity amongst our students and staff with diverse backgrounds, identifying themselves as Rwandans and people who have come together to work for a common brighter future.” “The University provides scholarships for the Genocide victims many of whom could not access higher education, in the end, they are able to participates in economic activities and build their future,” said Wang’ombe. ALSO READ: Over 100 international law students pay tribute to Genocide victims Mpabwanamaguru who was also deeply moved by the experience at the memorial site, commended the University of Kigali for taking the initiative to educate its students about the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and it’s never ending effects. As the group gathered for a moment of reflection, Mpabwanamaguru told them to learn from history and foster an environment of empathy and understanding amongst themselves so the future generation will be free from hatred and violence. ALSO READ: Students use writing to fight genocide ideology Walking through the exhibition, the group observed the chronology of events leading up to the genocide, delving into social-political factors that fueled the violence. Students were particularly engaged, as they were able to witness firsthand the consequences of hatred, intolerance and ethnic divisions, serving as a stark reminder of the importance of promoting peace, unity and reconciliation. The delegation also laid wreaths at the mass grave at the memorial were over 250,000 Genocide victims are buried. Among the students in attendance was Laure Nikita Rutagungira, who expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to visit the memorial site, as it was her first time. “Your past always affects your present and future as well, I have learned a lot as a present of my country and I will teach this to my young brothers and sisters through conversations,” she proclaimed. David Dang who, as a foreigner student from South Sudan, said “the opportunity has given me a self-exercise to make it known to my fellow new students and other colleagues who missed the events.” University of Kigali’s visit at the Kigali Genocide Memorial served as the powerful reminder that while the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi remains a painful chapter in the nation’s history, it also serves as a reminder for the society to always stay united. Mourners hold candles while observing a moment of silence to pay tribute to victims of the Genocide Against the Tutsi during a Commemoration event at Kigali Genocide Memorial Students and staff of University of Kigali during a tour of Kigali Genocide Memorial on Thurday, June 8. All photos by Craish Bahizi University of Kigali Students and staff during a walk to remember victims of the Genocide Against the Tutsi City of Kigali vice mayor in charge of Urbanisation and Infrastructure, Merard Mpabwanamaguru addresses mourners at Kigali Genocide Memorial. The University of Kigali students and staff observe a moment of silence to pay tribute to victims.
UoK Graduate School hosts the second Workshop on Map Application Project
The University of Kigali Graduate School hosted the second workshop on the map application project about using geodata in educational linguistics research on 12th June 2023. UoK students were trained in using open sources, geodata, and maps in research and education. During the workshop, the students conducted a practical introduction to working with data in the map interface and check data realization on the user interface of the map. The practices were facilitated by two international researchers: Prof. Tove Rosendal, a researcher at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, and Prof. Helle Lykke Nielsen, a researcher at the University of Southern Denmark. The workshop was conducted as part of a South-North research collaboration. In 2022, University of Kigali (UoK) signed a research collaboration agreement with the University of Gothenburg (UGOT) to administrate the research grant that Prof. Tove Rosendal (Professor of African Linguistics at UGOT) and Dr. AMINI NGABONZIZA (Lecturer of Educational Linguistics at UoK) had won from the Swedish Research Council. UoK strongly supports the research cooperation between the two universities. The three-year research project is titled “Reading the Signs: Renaming and transformative processes in urban Rwanda”. The first workshop held at UoK helped students to understand how the research project is conducted and introduced them to digital humanities as the research project applies Geodata and maps to process and visualise the research findings at the end of the project on December 2024. Concluding the workshop, the Dean of Postgraduate, UoK, Dr. Ronald Kwena thanked the two international researchers for sharing their expertise with UoK students. He urged students to practice what they have learnt in their research activities. He emphasised that what makes a difference between a secondary school and university is to be a lead in research and innovation.
University Of Kigali’s Graduate School Partners With Teamflow Gmbh To Offer The Scrum Master Certification Programme
University of Kigali’s Graduate School and Teamflow GmbH a German-based institution have agreed to extend an existing partnership to offer the SCRUM MASTER CERTIFICATION PROGRAMME, a Project Management Certification to the University’s Masters Students. The agreement was made on February 11, 2022, at a meeting held by both parties at University of Kigali. Discussions also focused on the possibility of creating a Software Development Hub at the University of Kigali, championed by Teamflow GmbH. Mr. Gereon Hermkes, an Agile Business Coach and Trainer, reiterated during his visit to University of Kigali that “UoK is the only University in Rwanda we are partnering with to offer the globally-sought-after training,” and added that “I made the decision to visit today because UoK is the first University in Africa to partner with us since 2021”. This partnership makes the Masters students at the University of Kigali Graduate school part of the flagship Scrum Training and Certification in Rwanda. Speaking about the partnership, Dr. Kwena Ronald, Dean of UoK’s Graduate School expressed his excitement about the extended partnership “we are very excited to be hosting a third cohort of the Scrum Training between April 2nd and 3rd 2022.” Scrum, a modern Project Management Framework is used daily by more than 10 million people across the globe. This training will therefore provide endless opportunities for University of Kigali Masters students in their respective career fields. The World Economic Forum (WEC) counts the role of Scrum Master among the most promising of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (https://www.scruminc.com/world-economic-forum-forsees-growing-demand-for-scrum-related-jobs/). He added that “Teamflow GmbH already conducted training for more than 20 students in two cohorts in 2021.The training took place online in two batches. Students were able to gain life-changing knowledge and experience on how Scrum methodology enables companies improve productivity and efficiency in their processes. Some benefits of the Scrum certification are that it is a highly-regarded industry-recognized credential; it sets students apart as leaders with proven expertise; it is the most popular Agile Framework in use; it enables students to stay relevant in today’s job market; it spearheads increased productivity and deliverables; it improves team management and collaborations; it cultivates a healthier work environment.” Of high interest were students in the Master of Science in Project Management Programme. Sharing experiences about the training, Janviere Wihogora, an MBA Project Management student testified “I am so grateful for the opportunity UoK’s Graduate School gave me to complement my Master’s Degree with a Scrum Certification. I am so grateful to Dr. Kwena, The Dean of the Graduate school for organizing this life-changing training”. Vincent Havugimana, an MSc. Project Management Student adds “the University of Kigali Graduate School’s aim is not only to provide knowledge to its students but also add value by providing global opportunities to them.” The Scrum Training was not only attended by Project Management students but also other Masters students in fields such as Economics, Accounting & Finance, Supply Chain Management as well as Public Administration. At the meeting with Mr. Gereon Herkes, Dr. Kwena emphasized that “the UoK Graduate School is committed to enhancing the abilities of its students through academic and professional training”. The Dean of UoK’s Graduate School further hinted that the School is in the process of collaborating with professional bodies to ensure its students get certification at discounted rates. “The Scrum Master Certification will enable students to plan better and deliver results. In simple terms, the students will be able to get tasks done and just like the first two cohorts, the training for the third cohort which is targeting 20 students will be free of charge”, Mr. Gereon Hermkes also added. A token of appreciation was presented to Mr. Gereon Hermkes by Dr. Kwena and Ms. Gifty Aduamah – Director of Marketing & Institutional Advancement at UoK.
University of Kigali Students travel to Ostrava University for an Exchange Programme
Four University of Kigali students travelled to Ostrava University in the Czech Republic on 28th September 2023 as part of a Student Mobility Exchange Programme between the two universities. The four students are Mr. Ngemanyi kabangu Robert, Mr. Ishimwe Irene Nsanzimana, Mr. Ndizeye Yvan Patrick and Mr. Shimirwa Remy Patrick, all second-year students pursuing a BSc. Computer Science Programme at UoK’s School of Computing and Information Technology. Under a partnership between both universities brokered during a visit by a team from Ostrava University from 15th to 19th May 2023, the four will study at Ostrava University for a trimester. Prior to their departure, Professor Felix Maringe, UoK’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor – Academic and Dr. Musoni Wilson, Dean of UoK’s School of Computing and Information Technology congratulated the students for their sterling academic performance which qualified them for selection and urged them to be worthy ambassadors of UoK and Rwanda in the Czech Republic. The entire UoK community congratulates the students for flying the flags of the University and Rwanda high.
University of Kigali Students top the November/December 2023 Certified Accounting Technician (CAT) Exams in Rwanda
University of Kigali (UoK) has once again taken the lead in enhancing professional capacity-building in Rwanda by producing the top students nationally per subject/paper in the November/ December 2023 Certified Accounting Technician (CAT) exams. Out of the 11 CAT papers registered, UoK produced 7 top students nationally per paper. UoK also registered pass rates which were above the national pass rates for CAT. The University of Kigali’s Board of Promoters, management and staff take this opportunity to recognize and appreciate the 7 CAT students who emerged the best nationally and all UoK CAT students for achieving results above the national pass rates. The exemplary performance by UoK students in the just-released results is a testimony to the quality tuition that is provided at the University. The success is attributed to the adequate, competent and high-quality teaching staff with international experience who deliver the professional courses. The University further provides study notes and past examination question banks to all students registered for professional courses. Additionally, UoK offers discount on tuition fees to all internal undergraduate and graduate students pursuing professional programmes. As a result of the standards implemented, UoK has consistently delivered pass rates which are above the national pass rates in exams over the past 14 examination sittings. These high pass rates are a major contributor to the increase in the enrollment of students pursuing professional programmes. The continuous choice of UoK at every examination sitting by both private and Government sponsored staff is an evidence of the vital role UoK plays in the enhancement of professional capacity-building in Rwanda and the entire East African Region. The University in partnership with the Government of Rwanda has also been offering Certified Public Accounting (CPA) and Certified Accounting Technician (CAT) training to all Government Accountants and Internal Auditors. From August 2016 to date, the programme has attracted over 3,000 Government Staff. Apart from the certification, it is proven that all the staff who have gone through the tuition process have had a significant increase in productivity and the country has benefited tremendously. UoK is committed to enhancing training, professionalism and capacity-building across all Public Financial Management (PFM) disciplines. The University is fostering valuable partnerships with relevant stakeholders to continuously ensure that this huge deficit is filled. We encourage all and sundry to register for professional education at University of Kigali. Registration for the May ICPAR exams is in progress. Classes will start on 9th February, 2024. Please call: +250 781 833 731 for professional programmes admissions Registration for undergraduate and graduate programmes is also ongoing. Apply online via: mis.uok.ac.rw/apply or Call: +250 788 303 386/ +250 789 009 221/ /+ 250 788 669 642. Congratulations to all the UoK CAT students! University of Kigali is proud of you!
University of Kigali Students top the Nov/Dec 2023 Certified Public Accountants (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. Out of the 16 CPA papers registered, UoK produced 11 top performers nationally per paper. UoK also registered pass rates which were above the national pass rates for CPA. The University of Kigali’s Board of Promoters, management and staff take this opportunity to recognize and appreciate the 11 students in CPA who emerged the best nationally and all the UoK CPA students for achieving results above the national pass rates. The exemplary performance by UoK students in the just released results is a testimony to the quality tuition that is provided at the University. The success is attributed to the adequate, competent and high-quality teaching staff with international experience who deliver professional courses. The University also provides study notes and past examination question banks to all students registered for professional courses. Additionally, UoK offers discount on tuition fees to all internal undergraduate and graduate students pursuing professional programmes. As a result of the standards implemented, UoK has consistently delivered pass rates which are above the national pass rates in exams over the last 10 examination sittings. This high pass rates are a major contributor to the increase in the enrollment of students pursuing professional programmes. The continuous choice of UoK every examination sitting by both private and Government sponsored staff is an evidence of the vital role UoK plays in enhancement of professional capacity-building in Rwanda and the entire East African Region. Certified Public Accountants (CPA) Best Performers per Subject Nationally from UoK The University in partnership with the Government of Rwanda has also been offering Certified Public Accounting (CPA) and Certified Accounting Technician (CAT) training to all Government Accountants and Internal Auditors. From August 2016 to date, the programme has attracted over 3,000 Government Staff. Apart from the certification, it is proven that all the staff who have gone through the tuition process have had a significant increase in productivity and the country has benefited tremendously. UoK is committed to enhancing training, professionalism and capacity-building across all Public Financial Management (PFM) disciplines. The University is fostering valuable partnerships with relevant stakeholders to continuously ensure that this huge deficit is filled. We encourage all and sundry to register for professional education at University of Kigali. Registration for the May ICPAR exams is in progress. Classes will start on 9th February, 2024. Please call: +250 781 833 731 for professional programmes admissions Registration for undergraduate and graduate programmes is also ongoing. Apply online via: mis.uok.ac.rw/apply or Call: +250 788 303 386/ +250 789 009 221/ /+ 250 788 669 642. Congratulations to all the UoK CPA students! University of Kigali is proud of you!
