The Rector of the National University of Rwanda (NUR), Prof. Silas Lwakabamba, was recently elected president of the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA), a regional body comprising of 74 institutions for higher education in the region.

In a telephone interview with The New Times, yesterday, Lwakabamba said; "this is a great opportunity to serve my country through giving priority to Rwandan students, lecturers and professors so that they can benefit from the body.”

According to Lwakabamba, the body was initiated to develop higher education through structuring appropriate human capacity development and exchange of both students and lecturers amongst members.

He explained that this will provide Rwandan students with a chance to join and research from any of the universities that subscribe to the body.

"There is also a system of upgrading through these universities, exchange of lecturers as well as getting sponsorships, not only for students but also lecturers wishing to go for further studies.”

Each of the five member states of the EAC has two members on the council.

The elections that were held in Tanzania during the council’s general meeting, also saw Dr. Charles Karemangingo, the Rector of the Higher Institute of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry (ISAE), elected to represent Rwandan public universities while the Rector of Rwanda Tourism University College, Callixte Kabera, will represent private institutions.

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