The recent cabinet meeting of January 17 made notable appointments and structural changes to Rwanda’s education sector, indicating the government’s intent to advance quality education. Jean-Claude Hashakineza, Director General of Education Communications at the Ministry of Education, highlighted the significance of these changes, which include the introduction of new posts in the structures of Rwanda Basic Education (REB) and the National Examination and School Inspection Authority (NESA) as well as Provincial Education Coordinators. ALSO READ: Edward Kadozi, the economist picked to head Rwanda’s Higher Education Council Among the key appointments, Edward Kadozi was named Director General of the Higher Education Council (HEC). Other significant positions within the Ministry of Education were also filled, including Head of the Education Policy Department, Head of the Education Sector Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Department, Director General of Corporate Services, Advisor to the Minister, and Legal Analyst. At REB, Flora Mutezigaju was appointed as Deputy Director General, while at the National Examination and School Inspection Authority (NESA), Carlene Seconde Umutoni became the first-ever Deputy Director General in the institution's history. ALSO READ: Higher Education Council gets new boss “The cabinet appointments in the education sector reflect the government’s commitment to strengthening leadership to improve the quality of education and learning outcomes,” Hashakineza explained. He said that the introduction of the position of a deputy director general at REB and NESA would enhance the leadership’s effectiveness in these critical institutions. Moreover, the establishment of Provincial Education Coordinators aims to improve collaboration with provincial and local governments, ensuring a more unified and efficient delivery of education at all levels, he said. “These changes are part of broader reforms designed to support Rwanda’s Vision 2050 by fostering a skilled, innovative, and empowered citizenry while advancing the country’s transformation into a knowledge-based economy,” Hashakineza added. Expert views on the appointments Anne-Marie Kagwesage, an Associate Professor at the University of Rwanda’s College of Arts and Social Sciences, emphasized the transformative potential of the new appointments. Kagwesage noted that education is pivotal to Rwanda’s journey towards becoming a knowledge-based economy. “As far as education is concerned, we are not yet where we want to be,” she remarked. Citing reports on human capital development and global education targets, Kagwesage acknowledged the importance of these structural changes. “The move is really about putting more emphasis on improving educational outcomes. If we remain stagnant, we risk not advancing at the desired pace,” she explained. Kagwesage stressed the necessity of competitive education, both regionally and globally. “Rwanda trains not just for itself but for the region and the world. We need to produce knowledgeable Rwandans who can secure employment anywhere and even create jobs.” The newly created positions, such as Provincial Education Coordinators, address existing gaps in educational management, she said. “Previously, coordination mainly occurred at the district level, which left a gap at the provincial level. This change will strengthen oversight and foster collaboration among districts,” Kagwesage added. She also highlighted the role of deputies in institutions like REB and NESA. “A Director General often handles strategic and policy-level tasks, but deputies can focus on operational activities, ensuring things run smoothly on the ground,” she said. Driving results and accountability Kagwesage called for rigorous evaluation to ensure these changes yield the desired outcomes. “It’s crucial to conduct mid-term evaluations to assess whether the new structures achieve the desired goals. We need to avoid merely appointing people without tracking the impact of their work,” she advised. Echoing this sentiment, Pie Nambajimana, the head teacher at TVET Rusizi, noted that the new positions would address gaps in coordination and improve the education sector’s efficiency. “For schools in remote areas like TVET Rusizi, Provincial Education Coordinators will play a vital role in speeding up processes, such as report submissions and resource allocation,” he said. Nambajimana emphasized that these appointments would boost efforts to meet national education goals and enhance overall quality. A transformational journey Rwanda’s education reforms are aligned with its broader vision of transformation. By reinforcing leadership structures and fostering better collaboration, the country aims to deliver on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and equip its citizens with the skills needed for a competitive global economy. As Kagwesage put it, “The country believes in education for all. Those who will transform this nation will be educated, and these reforms are a step in the right direction. While results may not be immediate, we can expect significant progress in the coming years.” With the right follow-up mechanisms and accountability measures, these appointments could mark the beginning of a new chapter in Rwanda’s pursuit of quality education.
