The Kigali Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) Thursday joined other African Universities to celebrate the annual African University Day. The day was introduced in 1994 by the then Organisation of African Unity (OAU), which is now the African Union (AU). “This annual event aims at sensitising people on the role of the African Universities in the economic and social development of Africa,” Prof. Abraham Atta Ogwu, Rector of KIST said while opening the event at Muhabura hall. The Rector also revealed that KIST had earned membership to the Association of African Universities (AAU) by virtue of meeting University standards. According to Prof. Ogwu, AAU is striving along with other Africa Universities and Institutes of higher learning to play a vital role at improving African society’s development. When asked what KIST has benefited from celebrating this annual event, Prof. Ogwu said that students have the opportunity of conducting research with facilities one university may not have. “Knowledge is power. Our message is clear, African Universities have to play the right role in transferring knowledge to our societies and their contribution should have a positive impact on science and technology. Even in the developed world, Universities played a big role to their development,” Prof. Ogwu explained. This day was supposed to be celebrated by all AAU members. However, in Rwanda, KIST is the only one that celebrated the day. The National University of Rwanda (UNR) did not prepare early enough, said its assistant Public Relations Officer (PRO), Sam Mandela. SFB is preparing to celebrate it next week. “We had to extend the date of celebrating the event because we are planning to organise it in conjunction with the American Embassy,” SFB’s PRO, James Buyinza told The New Times by phone. According to Prof. John Mshana, Vice Rector Academics, Africa faces numerous problems including Poverty and HIV/Aids. He noted that is why African governments need to focus on sustainable development. This year’s theme is “Sustainable Development in Africa: The role of higher education.” Ends
