The Ministry of Education has approved the opening of the University of Kigali Musanze campus after an assessment exercise by the Higher Education Council. The audit, conducted between September 7 and 9, also authorised the university to start three new academic programmes; Post-Graduate Diploma in Education, Bachelor of Early Childhood Development Education, and Masters of Education Management and Administration. Briefing the media in Kigali, yesterday, Prof. Siraje Kaaya, the vice-chancellor, said the ministry’s green light heralds a new beginning for the private institution in its quest to contribute toward the development of the nation through education. His comments were echoed by Philbert Afrika, the chair of university board of directors, who said the endorsement puts them in position to continue providing high quality education to their students so that they can contribute to the development of the country. “We are almost making two years of existence, but we are determined to give the best and we undertake this commitment with a lot of pleasure,” said Afrika. University of Kigali has experienced rapid growth in enrolment to nearly 4,000 students in the undergraduate programmes and more than 150 students in the post-graduate programmes – since it opened its doors to admission in October 2013 with 649 students. Last month’s intake alone saw about 800 students admitted. However, this comes with increased pressure of accommodating the big enrolment yet the institution is still renting various premises within the City of Kigali. Afrika said the university has already secured a plot of land in Kicukiro District and a permanent home will be ready by end of 2016. “The envisaged home of University of Kigali will accommodate up to 7,000 students,” said Afrika. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
