University of Rwanda Vice Chancellor Rejects Claims of Declining Education Quality

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Rwanda, Prof. Kayihura Muganga Didas, has dismissed claims that graduates from the institution are entering the job market with inadequate skills, arguing that many students secure employment even before completing their studies.

He made the remarks on May 4, 2026, during the launch of a higher education quality assessment initiative organized by the Higher Education Council (HEC). The evaluation exercise aims to collect data that will help improve the quality of education in universities and higher learning institutions across the country. This assessment began at the University of Rwanda College of Science and Technology (CST) in Kigali.

Prof. Kayihura said he was surprised by criticism suggesting that graduates from the university lack the skills required by employers, insisting that the institution continues to produce competitive graduates who meet labor market demands.

In his speech, he clarified that “Before students graduate, many companies are already requesting interns and future employees from us,” he said that  “Some organizations recruit up to 50 students before they even complete their studies. By graduation time, more than 300 students may already have secured jobs.”

He added that the university still receives requests from employers while students are yet to complete their final academic requirements.

While defending the institution’s performance, Prof. Kayihura acknowledged that there is still room for improvement in the quality of education offered at the university.

In his words, he said that “We are not yet at 100 percent of where we want to be,”  he noted. “However, in terms of education quality, we remain competitive both in Rwanda and across the region. Many international students choose to study here, and some are recruited before graduating, which reflects confidence in the training they receive.”

The Vice Chancellor also highlighted several areas requiring further investment, including upgrading laboratories at CST to international standards and increasing the number of lecturers in all faculties.

Meanwhile, Rwanda’s Minister of Education, Joseph Nsengimana, emphasized the importance of aligning university training with labor market needs. He said the government’s new evaluation exercise seeks to identify gaps and develop practical solutions to strengthen higher education.

According to the minister, graduates often struggle when they enter workplaces without sufficient practical experience or familiarity with modern equipment and technologies.

He marked that the “Students need stronger practical exposure so that when they enter the labor market, they are ready to perform effectively from the start,” The Minister continued that “We plan to work closely with the private sector to better understand the skills employers need and use that information to improve the quality of education.”

He explained that collaboration between universities and private companies will help shape academic curricula that better prepare students for employment opportunities.

Rwanda has positioned itself as a country aiming to build a knowledge-based economy and become a regional hub for science and technology in Africa.