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.”