Announcements

UNILAK proudly welcomed 10 professors from the Technical Aid Corps (TAC) program, an initiative of the Nigerian government, in a formal reception held today. The esteemed academicians, who arrived in Rwanda on Friday, were officially received by the university’s management in a warm and welcoming ceremony presided over by the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academics and Research. Dr. Emmanuel Hakizimana; the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academics and Research, delivered an address, emphasizing the longstanding and fruitful relationship between Nigeria and Rwanda. He particularly highlighted the strong ties between UNILAK and Nigeria, which have made the TAC program a reality at the institution. “This is the first time we are hosting a cohort of experts through the TAC program, and we are proud to welcome such a distinguished group of academicians to our university. We believe this partnership will be highly beneficial to the entire university community,” Dr. Emmanuel remarked. He went on to assure the professors that UNILAK will fully support them throughout their stay, promising close collaboration in their academic and research endeavors. He concluded by wishing them a pleasant and productive time at the university. On behalf of the TAC team, the professors expressed their commitment to fulfilling their responsibilities and maintaining the strong relationship between their home country and Rwanda. “We are here to give our best and will not disappoint the Nigerian government, which has entrusted us with this important mission,” said Prof. Jerome Obo Ihuma, the representative of the team, pledging to uphold the integrity of the program and to contribute positively to the academic environment at UNILAK. The TAC initiative is designed to strengthen international cooperation by providing Nigerian professionals to partner countries in need of expertise. UNILAK is excited to be part of this collaborative effort and looks forward to the knowledge and experience the professors will bring to the university community.

Last week, UNILAK held a vibrant swearing-in ceremony for the newly elected Students Union committee members across all its campuses. The event was a celebration of student leadership and community spirit, bringing together students, faculty, and staff to recognize the contributions of the outgoing committee while welcoming the new members. The ceremony kicked off with heartfelt acknowledgments of the outgoing committee, who were praised for their dedication and hard work during their term. Their efforts in fostering a supportive environment for students and improving campus life were particularly highlighted. Following this, the newly elected committee members were sworn in, receiving a warm welcome from the university community. With a shared commitment to representing the diverse voices of students, this dedicated team will serve for one year, working collaboratively to address student needs and enhance the overall university experience. UNILAK is excited about the potential of the new committee and stands ready to support them in their initiatives. The university community looks forward to a successful term ahead, filled with new ideas and positive changes. Here’s to the new committee—may their tenure be marked by success and impactful leadership!

UNILAK marked the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction on October 24, 2024, with a focus on the theme “The Role of Education in Protecting and Empowering Youth for a Disaster-Free Future.” This year’s celebration highlighted the importance of education in enhancing disaster preparedness among young people, emphasizing the critical need for safe learning environments. The day featured a dynamic fire contingency plan simulation, allowing students and staff to practice emergency response strategies. This hands-on approach reinforced the significance of preparedness and the practical application of safety initiatives within the university community. The event also included insightful presentations from experts in disaster management and education. Speakers discussed the vital role that the education sector plays in mitigating disaster risks for school-aged children, urging investment in three key areas: protecting children and youth through safe schools and educational facilities, empowering them with knowledge and skills for safety, and endorsing the implementation of the Comprehensive School Safety Framework 2022-2030. In line with the theme, the university emphasized that education is essential not only for academic success but also for equipping young people with the tools they need to navigate and respond to disasters effectively. By fostering a culture of safety and resilience, UNILAK aims to prepare its students to be proactive agents of change in their communities. “We are committed to creating a safe educational environment and ensuring our students are prepared to face potential disasters,” said Dr. Mupenzi Christophe, the Dean of the Faculty of Environment Studies, during the event. “By investing in education and safety initiatives, we empower our youth to build a disaster-free future.” As part of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, UNILAK continues to advocate for collaboration between educational institutions and local authorities to enhance disaster risk reduction strategies. This celebration serves as a reminder of the crucial role education plays in safeguarding future generations.

On 22nd October, 2024, UNILAK was honored to welcome Sabina PORBENI ONYEKA, the Chargé D’Affaires a.i of the Nigeria High Commission in Rwanda. She was warmly received by Mr. Richard NIYONKURU; the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration, who represented the university’s leadership. The primary purpose of Sabina’s visit was to discuss opportunities for strengthening the relationship between UNILAK and the Nigeria High Commission. The discussions focused on fostering closer collaboration in various academic and developmental areas, enhancing educational exchanges, and promoting shared cultural understanding between Rwanda and Nigeria. One of the key topics of conversation was the anticipated arrival of Technical Aid Corps (TAC) Professors from Nigeria. The TAC program, which deploys Nigerian professionals to provide technical assistance in partner countries, has long been a pillar of Nigeria’s diplomatic outreach in Africa. The professors, set to join UNILAK academic faculty, will contribute to capacity building and knowledge transfer in various disciplines. Sabina emphasized the mutual benefits of this exchange, noting that the professors would play a significant role in enriching the academic experience for both students and staff at UNILAK. Mr. Richard expressed gratitude for the High Commission’s continued support and reiterated UNILAK commitment to enhancing its ties with Nigeria, particularly through academic partnerships and faculty development initiatives. This visit represents yet another step in the growing relationship between the two nations, with education serving as a central pillar for mutual growth and development.

In a significant step towards fostering innovation and technological advancement, students from UNILAK Faculty of Computing and Information Sciences successfully completed a five-day intensive block chain training session. The program, organized by Internet Computer (ICP) Rwanda, aimed to equip students with cutting-edge skills and knowledge in block chain technology, one of the fastest-growing sectors in the digital world. The training, led by experts from ICP Rwanda, covered key aspects of block chain development; students also had the opportunity to work on hands-on projects that reinforced their learning. Speaking on the completion of the training, one of the participants, Marick , a final-year student in the Faculty of Computing and Information Sciences, expressed his excitement about the experience. “This training has been an eye-opener for me. Block chain is transforming industries globally, and now I feel confident in my ability to apply what I have learned in real-world scenarios. The practical experience has been invaluable,” she said. Dr. Enan Nyesheja, Dean of the Faculty of Computing and Information Sciences, praised the students for their dedication and emphasized the importance of such initiatives in the university’s curriculum. “Block chain technology is reshaping the future of finance, supply chains, and even governance. By offering our students the opportunity to engage with this transformative technology, we are preparing them for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the tech industry,” Dr. Enan noted. Representatives from ICP Rwanda were equally enthusiastic about the collaboration. “It is always inspiring to see young minds so engaged in learning new technologies. The students from UNILAK have demonstrated great potential, and we look forward to future collaborations that will deepen their understanding and experience with blockchain.” The successful completion of the training marks an important milestone for UNILAK as it continues to position itself as a leader in technology education. The university remains committed to providing its students with access to high-quality learning experiences that will equip them with the skills needed to excel in the fast-evolving digital economy. About ICP Rwanda ICP Rwanda is part of the Internet Computer Project, a global initiative aimed at revolutionizing the internet through decentralized computing and block chain technology. The organization is dedicated to educating and empowering the next generation of block chain developers in Africa.

Law students from UNILAK emerged victorious in the final round of the 2024 National Moot Competition on International Humanitarian Law (IHL), held on October 18th, 2024. This prestigious event, organized by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Rwanda, marks the 8th edition of the competition, which invites law students from various Rwandan universities to participate. This year’s event featured teams from the University of Rwanda (UR), University of Kigali (UoK), Université Libre de Kigali (ULK), Institut d’Enseignement Supérieur de RUHENGERI (INES-RUHENGERI), and UNILAK. In the final round, two teams faced off, with one team acting as the prosecution and the other as the defense. The finalists included students from UNILAK and ULK. The UNILAK team delivered an impressive performance, ultimately winning the competition. Among the standout participants was Aimé Shema, a final-year law student, earning recognition as the best defender for his exceptional performance. As champions, the UNILAK team will be fully sponsored by ICRC Rwanda to represent Rwanda in the upcoming All-Africa IHL Moot Court Competition, set to take place in Nairobi, Kenya, from November 3rd to 8th, 2024. This esteemed event gathers the best moot court teams from across the continent, providing a platform for students to showcase their legal expertise on a broader stage. The community of UNILAK extends its heartfelt congratulations to the winning team and wishes them all the best as they prepare to represent Rwanda in this prestigious competition.

The University of Lay Adventists of Kigali (UNILAK) plans to establish a cooperative hub aimed at addressing the skills gap in cooperative management, said Prof Jean Ngamije, Vice Chancellor of UNILAK. He made this announcement during the International Conference on Business Management and Innovation (ICBMI2024), organised by UNILAK in collaboration with Land O’ Lakes, Rwanda Institute of Cooperative Entrepreneurship and Microfinance (RICEM), Rwanda Cooperative Agency (RCA), National Cooperative Confederation of Rwanda (NCCR), Cordaid, and AFRICOOP. The conference, running from September 26-27 in Kigali, centers on the theme, “Making Successful Cooperative Societies and Innovative Entrepreneurs: Challenges, Opportunities, and New Trends.” Prof Ngamije noted that the hub will serve as a central platform for fostering innovation within cooperative societies. “This year’s theme resonates with our commitment to creating an environment where innovation and entrepreneurship can thrive. In a rapidly evolving world, cooperative societies and innovative entrepreneurs are essential for driving sustainable development and inclusive growth,” he said. Prof Ngamije noted the conference as an opportunity for collaboration and knowledge-sharing, saying, “This gathering allows us to explore new paradigms, share cutting-edge research, and form partnerships that will shape the future of business management and innovation. Over these two days, we will address the challenges that cooperatives and entrepreneurs face and uncover the opportunities that arise from them.” Dr Emmanuel Hakizimana, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Academics and Research at UNILAK, said that the university has been offering a cooperative management program since 2013. “But the current number of graduates is insufficient given the large number of cooperatives. Additionally, both cooperative members and leaders lack adequate knowledge which is why the cooperative hub comes in to bridge this gap and provide the necessary support,” he added. Dr Rose Mukankomeje, Director General of the Higher Education Council (HEC), also spoke on the importance of cooperatives in fostering development, stating, “Cooperatives bring people together with a common goal, but we have seen instances of mismanagement, which has caused members to lose money and slowed down the progress we want to see in the country.” She added, “There are challenges in encouraging people to invest in schemes like Ejo Heza or to join cooperatives because of these past experiences, but we can learn from successful cooperatives abroad. For example, Moshi Co-operative University in Tanzania offers programs on cooperatives, and this conference at UNILAK, where experts are discussing these issues, could be a turning point.” Mukankomeje expressed optimism about addressing these challenges through education, saying, “If cooperatives are well managed and members are properly taught, I believe we can see improvements within the next five years.” The Director General of the Rwanda Cooperative Agency (RCA), Dr Patrice Mugenzi, also stressed the importance of cooperatives in national development. He said: “Cooperatives are built on shared values like democratic control and economic participation, which foster inclusiveness, equality, and self-reliance. “Training cooperative leaders and members in proper management practices is essential for sustainability and competitiveness,” he said. Additionally, Mugenzi said Integrity, transparency, and accountability are critical values that will allow cooperatives to thrive and contribute to Rwanda’s national development goals.

UNILAK is excited to announce the launch of four new education programs that will enhance the academic landscape and provide students with specialized training in various fields of education.  The new programs, which are set to begin in the 2024 academic year, are: Education in Mathematics and Economics Education in Mathematics and Computer Science Education in Mathematics and Geography Education in Economics and Entrepreneurship These innovative programs will be available at both Nyanza and Rwamagana campuses of UNILAK, offering students a wider array of academic opportunities and career paths in the fields of education and beyond. Registration for the programs is currently ongoing, and prospective students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Classes are set to start on September 30, 2024, marking an exciting new chapter in the university’s commitment to academic excellence and innovation in education.

UNILAK is delighted to extend a warm welcome to Professor Muath Sabha, the newest member of our Faculty of Computing and Information Sciences. Professor Sabha is an expert in multimedia, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to our university community. We are confident that his expertise in multimedia and its wide applications will greatly enrich our academic programs and research initiatives. As Professor Sabha begins his journey with us, we look forward to the valuable contributions he will make to both our faculty and students. We wish Professor Sabha a fulfilling and enjoyable stay at UNILAK as he embarks on this new chapter of his career.

UNILAK and Rwanda Institute of Cooperatives, Entrepreneurship and Microfinance (RICEM) are thrilled to announce a 5-year partnership aimed at fostering academic excellence and enhancing opportunities for students. This collaboration will focus on capacity building, curricula development, joint research activities, and internships for UNILAK students. The partnership is expected to significantly contribute to the academic and professional prospects of students, offering them unique opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research and gain practical experience in their fields of study. Curricula development will be a cornerstone of this partnership, with both institutions working together to design and implement innovative educational programs that meet the evolving needs of today’s job market. This initiative aims to ensure that UNILAK graduates are well- prepared to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Internships facilitated through this partnership will provide UNILAK students with invaluable real-world experience, allowing them to apply their academic knowledge in professional settings. These internships are expected to enhance students’ employability and provide them with a competitive edge in their careers. Dr. Emmanuel Hakizimana, The Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academics and Research in UNILAK, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, ” This collaboration with RICEM represents a significant milestone for UNILAK. By working together, we can provide our students with unparalleled opportunities for growth and development. We are excited about the positive impact this partnership will have on our academic programs and the future success of our students.” Dr. Olivier Mukulira, Managing Director of RICEM, echoed this sentiment, saying, ” RICEM is committed to advancing research and education through meaningful collaborations. Our partnership with UNILAK aligns perfectly with our mission, and we look forward to the exciting initiatives and achievements that will result from this collaboration.” The signing event marked the beginning of what promises to be a fruitful and dynamic partnership.