The students of University of Rwanda will soon be obliged to study languages in their first years at the campus in the wake to bolster quality education.

Speaking before both chambers of parliament on Thursday, April 18, the Prime Minister Dr. Eduard Ngirente disclosed that studying language for ‘level ones’ at the University of Rwanda will be a prerequisite in all faculties.

He expressed the need to implement the strategic plans in government University so as to indelibly impact the quality education. He proposed to both chambers that language excellence among the university students is not only about quality education but also an essential tool to secure their jobs. 

The Prime Minister further stressed the role of the government in supporting tertiary education. 

“The Government of Rwanda remains committed to supporting tertiary education in order to foster the knowledge and skills necessary for the labor markets and align them with the country’s development vision,” the premier disclosed to the chambers.

Recently, the University of Rwanda reduced the program courses for bachelor’s degrees from 161 to 88.

Among the proposed structuring includes the expansion of classrooms, strengthening the implementation of school meal schemes, bolstering internet connectivity, revising curriculum, enhancing access to educational materials like books and laptops, and ensuring better access to clean water.

Ngirente indicated a remarkable surge in the count of secondary schools, marking a 26 percent increase; increasing from 1,567 institutions in 2017 to 1,977 by 2023. Also, student enrollment witnessed a remarkable upsurge, rising from 531,377 in 2017 to 729,998 by 2023, mirroring the expansion endeavors.

The allocation of laptops to teachers experienced a significant increase, showing a remarkable access of 242.4 percent, climbing from 4,823 laptops in 2017 to 16,517 laptops by 2023 which enabled the integration of advanced teaching methods.

Additionally, there was emphasis on infrastructure enhancements, such as the increase in high schools with electricity, which rose from 940 in 2017 to 1,718 in 2023. There was also a rise in schools with internet access and the implementation of smart classrooms.

There was a significant increase in budget allocations for primary and secondary education, climbing from Rwf14 billion in the academic year 2017/2018 to Rwf23 billion in the academic year 2023/2024. Likewise, government support for school feeding programs rose from Rwf6 billion in 2017/2018 to Rwf90 billion in 2023/2024, guaranteeing enhanced student well-being.

The Prime Minister also emphasized the hiring of 132 teachers from Zimbabwe, enriching the crew of teachers skilled in the English educational framework, a strategy designed to elevate teaching levels.

In addressing concerns regarding fees inconsistencies, Ngirente stressed the importance of standardizing school fees. Pre-primary and primary students now pay Rwf975 per semester, while boarding high school students pay Rwf85,000 and day scholars pay Rwf19,500.