NUR lecturers to sit English proficiency test

HUYE - All lecturers at the National University of Rwanda will be required to pass an English proficiency test if they are to continue teaching at the country’s biggest public university, the Rector has said. Addressing 40 lecturers who have been on a two-month English language training programme in Kenya, Prof Silas Lwakabamba said that those who will fail the examination may find themselves out of the University starting next academic year. “This is a Ministry [Education] directive; you will be required to take an English language test and all those who fail will not continue to teach next year,” Lwakabamba said. Two years ago, the Ministry of Education adopted English as a language of instruction in all schools and universities in the Country. According to Lwakabamba, the 40 lecturers who were trained at the Anglican Church of Kenya comprised of those who needed more English training than their colleagues. “With the language training, we hope they will be able to conduct lectures comfortably in English next year,” Lwakabamba told The New Times in an interview. He urged the lecturers to have courage and confidence and not to fear making mistakes as they embark on using the English language for instruction. Dr. Jean de la Croix Nkurayija, the dean, Faculty of Arts Media and Social Sciences, who was one of the participants, said that they learnt vital language skills during the training. “We can confidently say that we are ready to conduct lectures in English, we have grown in confidence and we are ready to deliver,” he said on behalf of the participants. In a related development, Professor Martin O’Hara who has been serving as the vice Rector in charge of academic affairs handed over office at a ceremony witnessed by the university top administrators. O’Hara who resigned his post on October 1 this year handed over office to Professor Herman Musahara who will be in acting position until the post is filled by cabinet. “He (O’Hara) has been with us for close to four years now, he chose to leave and take up another job in Uganda, we wish him all the best,” Lwakabamba said. Ends