The plenary sitting of the Chamber of Deputies approved the draft law governing the University of Rwanda (UR) and Rwanda Polytechnic (RP). The proposed changes are expected to enhance the governance, management, and welfare of both institutions and aim to align the institutions with the provisions outlined in the law governing the organisation of education. The bill having gained parliamentary approval, will now undergo examination by a standing committee before returning to the plenary for final discussions. ALSO READ: Higher education: What changes does draft law governing UR, RP bring? Presenting the foundation of the bill on March 21, Gaspard Twagirayezu, the Minister of Education, highlighted the establishment of a group of experts tasked with probing into various issues relating to learning and teaching, management, finance, infrastructure, property management, and student welfare within both UR and RP. Twagirayezu emphasised that the proposed amendments are aimed at improving the functionality of these institutions, particularly by fostering similar structures, functions, and financial autonomy. He stated, “The proposed changes for UR and RP are expected to enhance the autonomy of the institutions, allowing them to operate more effectively.” The draft law is designed to organise education effectively and ensure harmonisation between UR and RP as public institutions of higher learning. ALSO READ: University of Rwanda reforms: Why new college of veterinary medicine will be set up Twagirayezu said, “The proposed draft law was prepared to harmonise the organisation and functioning of both UR and RP as public institutions of higher learning since they are currently not managed in the same way.” Another significant aspect of the proposed changes is the enhancement of autonomy for UR and RP. Twagirayezu clarified that the draft law aims to grant the universities full autonomy, particularly in decision-making processes regarding the procurement of materials essential for teaching, learning, and research. Among the changes proposed for UR is the expansion of its colleges. In addition to its existing six colleges, UR will establish a seventh college specialising in veterinary and animal sciences, located in Nyagatare District. This expansion aims to address the need for qualified veterinary doctors. “There are plans to restructure the College of Agriculture, Animal Sciences, and Veterinary Medicine (CAVM) into two distinct entities; the College of Agriculture and the College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences,” he said. Furthermore, it is expected that the UR Huye campus will host three colleges. Each college will be led by a principal only, and the entire campus will be managed by a resident principal to oversee campus administration. “Huye campus will adopt a model where the resident principal manages activities and acts as the chief budget manager for both colleges. The remaining colleges located in other districts shall have, each, a principal and deputy principal,” Twagirayezu explained. For RP, Twagirayezu proposed a name change from Integrated Polytechnic Regional Centres (IPRCs) to colleges, reflecting a shift in terminology and significance. Additionally, the draft law seeks to rationalise the locations of UR colleges to prevent unnecessary relocations, aiming for operational efficiency.
