Good news to kick off the weekend! We are delighted to celebrate the successful doctoral thesis defenses of our staff members Dr. Brigitte Mukarunyana and Dr. Albert Ndagijimana, who earned their PhDs from Umeå University through the @URSwedenProgram Dr. Mukarunyana’s research presents an innovative and sustainable approach to water treatment by transforming agricultural waste into effective materials for water purification. Dr. Ndagijimana’s study on childhood stunting in Rwanda’s Northern Province sheds light on the underlying drivers of malnutrition and provides evidence to support localized, family-centered interventions that can improve child nutrition outcomes. Congratulations to both researchers on this remarkable achievement. We appreciate their impactful contributions and look forward to seeing their findings translated into solutions that benefit communities in #Rwanda and beyond!

Today, our DVC for Strategic Planning and Administration, Dr Raymond Ndikumana joined @MTNRwanda CEO Monzer Ali in signing a strategic partnership aimed at bridging the gap between education and employment. The partnership will create opportunities for career readiness, workplace learning, talent development, and skills enhancement, enabling students and graduates to gain valuable industry exposure and practical experience. Through this collaboration we reaffirm our commitment to producing graduates equipped with the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed to drive Rwanda’s digital transformation and economic growth

Today, @EnvironmentRw Minister Dr. Bernadette Arakwiye addressed participants during the World #Biodiversity Day celebration organized by UR @CoEBrwanda. Under the theme “Acting Locally for Global Impact,” the Minister emphasized that meaningful solutions to biodiversity loss must begin with local action, strengthened by scientific research, strong partnerships, and active community engagement.

Guest of Honour Hon. Laetitia Nyinawamwiza reminded participants that the Genocide against the Tutsi was not an accident, but a carefully planned atrocity carried out by individuals, many of whom were educated and had attended universities. She therefore urged students to use education as a pillar for positive transformation, national unity for the continued development of Rwanda. Hon. Nyinawamwiza also called on the audience to pay tribute to the former RPF Inkotanyi for their bravery and sacrifice in stopping the Genocide against the Tutsi, noting that many lost their lives in the struggle to save the nation.

In his remarks, Prof. Ignace Gatare, Principal of @urcst, reminded participants that commemoration is more than an obligation; it is a duty to honor the lives lost during the Genocide against the Tutsi. He called upon participants, especially the youth, to play an active role in fighting genocide ideology and denial by using social media to share the truth and promote messages of unity, resilience. #Kwibuka32

This afternoon, #Kwibuka32 continued across our campuses in #Kigali. The activities began with the laying of a wreath at the Genocide Memorial monument located at Gikondo Campus, in honor of the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi. The commemoration then continued at #KCEV formerly Camp Kigali, where a series of activities, including lectures, candle-lighting and testimonies are taking place in remembrance and reflection #Kwibuka32

Today, Vice Chancellor Prof. Kayihura Didas, commended the achievements of the #BERT Project in breaking barriers that hinder persons with #disabilities from accessing, participating in, and succeeding in education. He made the remarks during the BERT Final Dissemination Conference, which marked two years of impactful contributions toward advancing inclusive education within participating institutions and across the region. BERT “Breaking Barriers in Education: Inclusion, Rehabilitation, and Technology” is a collaborative project implemented by University of Rwanda, JAMK University of Applied Sciences, Tampere University, and State University of Zanzibar, with support from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of #Finland.

Young girls stepping into the future of sustainable mining & environmental protection! Today, @urcst School of Mining & Geology empowered 40 outstanding female students from 5 excellent #STEM high schools through a hands-on workshop on Mine Wastewater Geochemistry and Environmental Monitoring. The initiative aims to inspire and build early-stage capacity among young women in applied geochemistry, equipping them with practical skills to monitor mine wastewater and contribute to safer, more sustainable mining practices in #Rwanda. The initiative seeks to bridge the gender gap in mining-related environmental protection roles and inspire the next generation of women scientists and environmental leaders.

In his remarks, Minister @JoNsengimana emphasized that Rwanda’s ambition is clear: to build a competitive, knowledge-driven economy anchored on a strong, relevant, and globally credible higher education system. “We are not only building institutions for today,we are positioning Rwanda as a regional hub for quality higher education, research, and innovation,” he noted, underscoring the role of partnerships and internationalization. A key focus is ensuring a shared understanding of the Higher Education Sector Strategic Plan 2025–2030 driving relevance, quality, research, and improved student outcomes aligned with labour market needs. “To our students you are at the centre of these reforms. We expect you to graduate not just with knowledge, but with skills, confidence, and the mindset to contribute to Rwanda and compete globally.”

Minisitiri w’Uburezi, Nsengimana Joseph, yasuye Kaminuza y’u Rwanda, Koleji y’Ubumenyi n’Ikoranabuhanga muri gahunda yo kwegera Amashuri Makuru na Kaminuza igamije kuzamura ireme ry’uburezi mu Rwanda. Minisitiri Nsengimana n’abandi bayobozi bari kumwe basuye laboratwari zifasha abanyeshuri gushyira mu ngiro ibyo biga bikazabafasha guhatana n’abandi ku isoko ry’umurimo. Iyi gahunda kandi igamije gushyiraho urubuga rwihariye rwo kuganira ku ishyirwa mu bikorwa rya gahunda y’Iterambere ry’Uburezi mu Rwanda. #RBAAmakuru

HIGHER EDUCATION COUNCIL LAUNCHES NATIONWIDE OUTREACH — UR NYARUGENGE IS FIRST STOP. The Higher Education Council (HEC), under the Ministry of Education, has launched a nationwide outreach program across all Higher Learning Institutions in Rwanda — beginning today at the University of Rwanda's Nyarugenge Campus. The initiative creates a focused platform for regulators and institutions to engage directly on teaching quality, governance, and the effective implementation of the newly developed Higher Education Sector Strategic Plan (HESSP) 2025–2030 — ensuring every HLI understands, owns, and delivers on its strategic priorities. The University of Rwanda — home to 7 colleges, 13 teaching campuses, nearly 33,000 students, and over 600 international students — welcomes this engagement wholeheartedly. Vice Chancellor Prof. Kayihura Muganga Didas thanked the Minister of Education for the government's continued support, while highlighting the need for more modern infrastructure to meet growing student enrollment demands. Quality education. Strategic alignment.

Today at @urcst, @Rwanda_Edu, through @HEC_Rwanda, launched a nationwide outreach to Higher Learning Institutions. The initiative aims to strengthen dialogue, align priorities, and advance quality in teaching, learning, and overall outcomes.

Today at the University of Rwanda College of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Education, through the Higher Education Council, launched a nationwide outreach program to higher learning institutions aimed at strengthening collaboration with universities, aligning national priorities, and enhancing the quality of teaching, learning, and academic outcomes across the country. #EducationRwanda #QualityEducation #SkillsDevelopment

Today, we witnessed Departmental handover: Dr. Evariste Twahirwa is now HoD (Computer Science) & Dr. Eric Hitimana is HoD (Computer & Software Engineering), succeeding Theoneste Murangira & Dr. Alexander Ngenzi. Congrats to the new HoDs & much appreciation to outgoing HoDs.

ADVANCING SMART TRANSPORT THRU RWANDA–CHINA PARTNERSHIP! Today, we officially hosted the first technical training of the 🇨🇳–🇷🇼Belt & Road Joint Laboratory on Intelligent Transportation Infrastructure. This move will among others unlock opportunities in modern transport systems.

Today: Stakeholders’ consultation workshop for the soon-to-be-established Centre for Advanced Studies in Water & Environment, supported by @URSwedenProgram A multidisciplinary engagement shaping a Centre to set high national & regional standards in water & environmental mgt.

This afternoon, we officially signed a partnership with Accra Technical University #Ghana. The agreement will promote student & staff exchanges, joint research, and academic seminars. UR was represented by DVC Françoise K. Tengera, while @accratechuni was delegated by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Amevi Acakpovi. Discussions also covered higher education financing, the student solidarity scholarship scheme, and international student recruitment.

Congratulations indeed to Dr Clarisse Kagoyire & @URSwedenProgram ! Stunting can affect children’s health, learning, and future opportunities; and her work provides practical tools to tackle it with smarter, data-driven action. Huge appreciation to the supervising team, the Undernutrition Subprogram, and @Sida for their invaluable support in making this achievement possible. 👏 Join us in celebrating this incredible achievement and impact-driven research!

Today, the UR community joins Rwandans and the world in commemorating the 32nd anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, marking the beginning of the official commemoration week. Remember – Unite – Renew #Kwibuka32

The Vice Chancellor Prof Kayihura M. Didas received the leadership of RUSA (Retired University Staff Association). Their meeting focused on strengthening collaboration between UR and RUSA, with particular emphasis on identifying mechanisms for the retired academic staff to continue contributing their expertise and professional experience to research and teaching at UR.