News

UNILAK is excited to welcome Brian Micheni, a PhD student in Education at the prestigious University of Oxford, as a Rhodes Scholar and Outreach Ambassador for East Africa. Brian’s visit to UNILAK aimed to explore potential opportunities for an in-person outreach session to enlighten students about the Rhodes scholarship and its numerous benefits. As an Outreach Ambassador, Brian’s primary focus was to provide UNILAK students with a comprehensive understanding of the Rhodes scholarship program. The session covered essential topics such as the application process, the significance of the scholarship, and the remarkable opportunities it offers for academic, personal, and professional growth. He aimed to support students by offering first-hand tips and advice throughout their application journey. By sharing personal experiences and insights, Brian sought to inspire and encourage aspiring scholars from UNILAK to pursue their dreams of studying at the University of Oxford. During the engaging outreach session, Brian also discussed other scholarship opportunities available at the University of Oxford. This broader perspective aimed to inform students about the wide range of funding options and academic programs offered at one of the world’s leading educational institutions. Additionally, Brian shared insights regarding the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship, an esteemed award he had the privilege of receiving in the past. By discussing his personal journey and the transformative impact of such scholarships, Brian aimed to inspire students to explore various funding opportunities and seize them to pursue their academic and personal goals. The University management expressed its gratitude for Brian’s visit, recognizing the value of such outreach sessions in empowering students and opening doors to exceptional academic opportunities. The university administration hopes that Brian’s visit will inspire and motivate its students to strive for excellence, broaden their horizons, and pursue prestigious scholarships like the Rhodes scholarship. UNILAK looks forward to fostering a continued relationship with the Rhodes Trust and other renowned institutions, facilitating access to invaluable opportunities for its students. With Brian’s visit serving as a catalyst, the university aims to empower its students and support their academic aspirations, ultimately contributing to the growth and success of future leaders in education and beyond.

In a bid to foster awareness and celebrate the historical significance of the African Continent, UNILAK hosts the Pan African Movement Rwanda Chapter conference. The conference, held on the university campus, aimed to educate the general public, students, and staff about the diverse cultural heritage and the ideals of Pan-Africanism. Mr Epimaque Twagirimana, the deputy Chairperson of Pan-African Movement Rwanda Chapter emphasized the significance of promoting a sense of shared identity and unity among African nations. “Understanding our past is crucial for shaping our collective future. Pan-Africanism is not just a historical movement; it’s a philosophy that encourages solidarity, cooperation, and self-determination.” He said. One of the primary objectives of the conference was to debunk misconceptions about Africa and present the continent’s rich history and cultural contributions to the world. Attendees were provided with enlightening sessions on pre-colonial African civilizations, traditional African art, and literature dispelling stereotypes that have perpetuated over the years. The Pan African Movement conference serves as a platform for fostering cross-cultural exchanges and nurturing a sense of pride in African heritage.

In an endeavor to foster academic excellence and equip students with the skills necessary to produce exceptional theses, Prof. Wael, renowned for his expertise in business studies, conducted an enlightening research seminar for the Master’s students of the Business Administration Program (MBA) at the University of Lay Adventists of Kigali.  The seminar, held this Sunday 16th of July at the university, aimed to provide comprehensive guidance on the art of crafting a stellar thesis. Prof. Wael, a distinguished visiting professor known for his remarkable contributions to the field of business research, captivated the eager audience with his vast knowledge and engaging teaching style. With decades of experience as a researcher and mentor, his insights and expertise served as an invaluable resource for the aspiring scholars in attendance. The seminar commenced with an introduction to the fundamental elements of a well-structured thesis, emphasizing the importance of clear objectives, logical organization, and rigorous analysis. Prof. Wael emphasized that a thesis serves as the culmination of a student’s academic journey, offering them a platform to demonstrate their research capabilities and contribute to their respective fields. Throughout the seminar, Prof. Wael shared practical strategies for formulating compelling research questions, conducting thorough literature reviews, and gathering and analyzing data effectively. Drawing upon his own experiences, he provided students with valuable tips on data collection methods, research ethics, and ensuring the reliability and validity of their findings. Furthermore, Prof. Wael stressed the significance of maintaining a coherent argument throughout the thesis, urging students to critically evaluate their evidence and present it in a manner that supports their research objectives. He encouraged students to explore innovative approaches and consider the broader implications of their work, promoting a holistic perspective in their research endeavors. The interactive nature of the seminar allowed students to actively participate in the learning process. Prof. Wael encouraged students to ask questions, facilitating a dynamic exchange of ideas and creating a collaborative atmosphere. Several students expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to engage with such an esteemed academic, stating that the seminar had provided them with invaluable insights that will undoubtedly enhance their thesis-writing journey. “It was an honor to learn from Prof. Wael, whose expertise and passion for research are truly inspiring. The seminar has given me a newfound confidence in my ability to tackle my thesis project,” shared Ngabire Aurore Regine, one of the attending Master’s students. Prof. Wael concluded the seminar by reiterating the importance of persistence and dedication in producing an outstanding thesis. He encouraged students to embrace the research process as an opportunity for personal and intellectual growth, reminding them that their work has the potential to make a lasting impact in their chosen fields. The research seminar conducted by Prof. Wael proved to be an exceptional learning experience for the Master’s students of the Business Administration program. By sharing his expertise and providing practical guidance, Prof. Wael empowered students with the necessary tools to embark on their thesis-writing journey with confidence and clarity. As these students progress in their academic careers, they will undoubtedly apply the valuable lessons learned from this seminar, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in the field of business studies.

The University of Lay Adventists of Kigali, a prestigious institution renowned for its academic excellence, recently had the privilege of hosting Professor Wael Kortam, a distinguished scholar from the esteemed University of Cairo, Egypt who conducted a comprehensive training session on grant proposal writing for the university’s lecturers. The training, which lasted for a day, was hailed as a great opportunity for the faculty members to enhance their knowledge and skills in securing research funding. Dr Emmanuel Hakizimana, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academics and Research at UNILAK, expressed his gratitude for having Professor Wael share his expertise with their staff.  “We are honored to have Professor Wael, a visiting Professor from Cairo University, Egypt  impart his vast knowledge on grant proposal writing to our lecturers,” said Dr. Emmanuel  “This training is an invaluable opportunity for our faculty members to learn from an experienced professor who has a proven track record in securing research grants.” He added. During the training session, Professor Wael shared his extensive experience and expertise, discussing key elements such as project design, methodology, budgeting, and effective communication. The participants actively engaged in interactive discussions and practical exercises, further deepening their understanding of the grant writing process. The visiting professor emphasized the importance of clear and concise proposal writing, as well as the significance of aligning research objectives with the funding agency’s priorities. He provided valuable tips and strategies for effectively presenting research ideas, highlighting the need for innovation and societal impact in grant proposals. The University lecturers expressed their enthusiasm and gratitude for the training opportunity. Driven by a desire to enhance their research capabilities and secure external funding, they actively participated in the training, seeking guidance and feedback from Professor Wael. The interaction fostered an environment of collaboration and learning, allowing the lecturers to gain invaluable knowledge that will undoubtedly benefit their future research endeavors. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academics and Research commended Professor Wael for his dedication and commitment to enhancing research capacity within the academic community. “We are immensely grateful to Professor Wael for generously sharing his expertise with our lecturers,” Dr Emmanuel remarked. “This training aligns with our university’s vision of promoting research excellence, and we are confident that the skills acquired will contribute to the success of our faculty members in securing grants for their innovative research projects.” As the training concluded, participants in the training expressed their sincere appreciation to Professor Wael for his valuable contributions and commitment to fostering research excellence. The knowledge gained by the lecturers will undoubtedly strengthen their grant proposal writing skills and improve their chances of securing funding for impactful research initiatives. The university anticipates the positive impact of this training on its faculty’s research endeavors, fostering a culture of innovation and further establishing its reputation as a leading academic institution.

UNILAK is pleased to announce that Prof. Wael Kortam has been appointed as Professor of Marketing in the Faculty of Economic Sciences and Management.   Prof. Wael Kortam has been a Vice Dean for Postgraduate Studies and Research, Vice Dean for Undergraduate Education, Head of Business Administration and Marketing Departments and Dean at the Universities of Cairo, GUC, MIU and Heliopolis.   Prof. Wael Kortam founded the joint bachelor program with Georgia State University, USA and Joint Postgraduate Sports Management Diploma with the FIFA, International Office and Cairo University International Branch.   Prof. Kortam has supervised and examined a large number of Master and Doctoral theses at Egyptian, Arab, European, Asian and American Universities. He is also an expert member of the board of trustees of the National Training Academy chaired by the President of Egypt and executive board of the Public Company for Real Estate Marketing (Real Mark).   Prof. Kortam obtained a PhD degree in marketing research and Marketing Information Systems (MKIS) from the University of Nottingham, UK in 1997.   Professor worked as a Fulbright Research Scholar at George Washington University, USA, 2000-2001. He is also appointed as a Head of the Supreme Council of Egyptian Universities for promotion to Professors and Associate Professors Posts since 2013.   Professor Kortam has a large number of research papers, chapters in books and books published in highly profiled international academic conferences, world class high impact factor academic journals indexed in Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar and Research Gate and well recognised publishers in the areas of Marketing Research, Marketing Theory, Strategic Marketing and Marketing of Universities. He was awarded Emerald Award for Best Marketing Paper in the world twice in 2003 and 2012.   Prof. Wael Kortam is also an active professional marketing consultant and trainer with long standing experience across the Arab World, UK, USA, Switzerland, Germany, India, China, Singapore and Australia. Triggering AMRC at the British University in Egypt is considered as the climax of his academic and professional aspirations though combining the depth of scientific marketing knowledge with the breadth of best marketing practice to reach competitive advantage for state and industry alongside breakthrough marketing science flagging Britishness of standards grounded on Egyptian essence for Egypt, Britain and the world advancement of truth discovery and human welfare.   We are thrilled to welcome Prof. Wael Kortam UNILAK and wish him all the best in this new role within the Faculty of Economic Sciences and Management.

We are pleased to inform you that Unilak has signed an MoU with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. If you are interested in spending a semester at the University of Tennessee. This exchange program only applies to UNILAK students, interested students should contact and register with their faculty Dean.