For the University of Rwanda (UR), the accreditation of 12 Master’s and PhD programmes—in January—by the Agency for Quality Assurance through Accreditation of Study Programs (AQAS) implies that its postgraduate training in science education and advanced technologies meets rigorous international standards. The accredited programmes are offered at the College of Education (CE) and the College of Science and Technology (CST) under two African Centres of Excellence. At CE, eight programmes run by the African Centre of Excellence for Innovative Teaching and Learning Mathematics and Science (ACEITLMS) were accredited. They include four PhD and four Master’s programmes in Biology Education, Chemistry Education, Mathematics Education and Physics Education. At CST, four programmes offered by the African Centre of Excellence in Internet of Things (ACE-IoT) were accredited. These comprise two PhD and two Master’s degrees in Embedded Computing Systems and Wireless Intelligent Sensor Networking. According to the university, international accreditation is more than a badge of honour; it is a public assurance of quality, credibility and global competitiveness. The milestone strengthens confidence among students, employers, governments and donors, while positioning UR graduates to compete and collaborate internationally. Strengthening science and mathematics education Prof. Florien Nsanganwimana, the Principal of UR College of Education, said the accreditation confirms ACEITLMS as a regional hub for training professional educators and researchers in mathematics and science. He explained that the AQAS review assessed curriculum design, learning outcomes, research orientation, supervision, staffing and internal quality assurance systems. The endorsement means the programmes meet international benchmarks and apply up-to-date content and innovative, student-centred teaching approaches. Nsanganwimana said the international accreditation is a testament of tangible improvements in quality teaching, learning and research. This accreditation will enhance ACEITLMS/ UR-CE credibility and unlock partnerships and collaboration with private, public, regional and international universities and institutions. He added that international accreditation enhances the global recognition of graduates’ qualifications, improves employability and strengthens prospects for partnerships, joint research, staff and student exchanges, and external funding. “Through this improved visibility, partnership and recognition, UR through ACEITLMS is positioned to secure external funding from partners, donors and stakeholders,” he observed. By strengthening inquiry-based and problem-solving teaching methods, integrating technology into classrooms and emphasising evidence-based practice, he said, the programmes aim to address persistent challenges such as shortages of qualified STEM teachers, limited practical teaching methods and low learner engagement. Since its establishment, the centre has enrolled 79 PhD and 384 Master’s students. Of these, 37 PhD and 197 Master’s students have graduated from the eight internationally accredited programmes. Students come mainly from Rwanda and 14 other African countries, underscoring the centre’s regional reach. Beyond postgraduate training, ACEITLMS has also contributed to in-service teacher development. By January 2026, he indicated, 3,591 secondary school mathematics and science teachers had completed its Continuous Professional Development Programme in Innovative Teaching and Learning Mathematics and Science, delivered in partnership with the Rwanda Basic Education Board (REB). The initiative is intended to upgrade classroom practice and improve student performance in STEM subjects nationwide. Advancing technology and innovation At the College of Science and Technology, Ass. Prof Ignace Gatare, Principal of UR CST, said the accreditation confirms that ACE-IoT programmes comply with the Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG) and the European Qualifications Framework (EQF). “Meeting the international education standards is a very good sign that the center is offering quality programmes and producing skilled graduates which are needed by the industry players. This will strengthen the University-industry collaboration by engaging ACEIoTstudents in their works,” Gatare said, noting that the accreditation also enhances graduates’ global competitiveness. A January 2026 tracer survey found that 88.3 per cent of ACE-IoT graduates are employed, “and we think that this number will be increased after getting this accreditation.” He added that 40 per cent of those not in employment were pursuing further studies. ACE-IoT alumni have gained admission to institutions including Dresden University of Technology and Bremen University in Germany, Sciences Po, the University of Nairobi, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Mohammed VI Polytechnic University and the University of Parma. Gatare cited one notable graduate, Oluwatobi Oyinlola, an MSc alumnus in Embedded Computing Systems. He is currently a researcher at MIT’s Senseable City Lab, working on projects in IoT, artificial intelligence and urban data. Oyinlola holds a Guinness World Record for developing the world’s smallest GPS tracking device and serves on the Intel Advisory Board for IoT as well as the Board of the Open-Source Hardware Association (OSHWA). Building confidence and future growth Leaders from both colleges emphasised that AQASaccreditation strengthens confidence among parents, governments and development partners. The accreditation process is very rigorous in assessing the institution’s financial systems, processes, procedures and compliance with international standards. For ACE-IoT, Gatare said the accreditation fulfills a requirement linked to World Bank support during the centre’s establishment and is expected to unlock further funding opportunities. The recognition is also seen as a catalyst for deeper collaboration with industry, increased student mobility and expanded research partnerships. Looking ahead, he stated, ACE-IoT plans to prioritise impactful and commercialisable research, broaden collaboration with universities and industry, attract more international students and introduce new programmes in Artificial Intelligence (AI).
