Kent State University has officially launched the opening of its branch in Rwanda where the school will be offering aeronautical courses to both local and regional students.
According to officials if all goes well as planned, aspiring students will be able to access aeronautical courses comprised of design and construction of aircraft here in the country initially by 2024 and throughout 2025.
Aeronautical courses are among the rarest courses which can’t be easily accessed by local higher learning institutions so far. Meanwhile, with the establishment of the aeronautical courses, Rwanda will be a hub for aeronautical engineering in the region.
The launch featured the signing of the agreement graced by the Kent State University Dr. Fantoni Marcelo alongside Rwandan educationists including Minister of Education, Valentine Uwamariya and Didas Kayihura Muganga, the acting Vice Chancellor for the University of Rwanda.
Minister of Education, Dr. Valentine Uwamariya said, the extension of Kent State University is a paramount contribution to the quality education envisioned by the Rwandan government.
“Kent State University and University of Rwanda share many visions and one of the similarities is delivery of quality education.” Education Minister said.
Also referring to the contractual clauses in the partnership agreement, the Minister said, Kent State University will focus on inclusive education.
Furthermore, the US-based higher learning institution also entered into a partnership with Rwanda National Police.
UR’s College of Science and Technology (UR-CST) is said to be the center of operation for the soon to be established USA based University.
Dr. Fantoni last visited Rwanda in August 2021 when Kent State University and the University of Rwanda sealed a new partnership agreement in which under the collaboration the universities would boost research and foster student connections.
Since 2021, the partnership between the University of Rwanda and US higher learning institutions has been in the pipeline.
The Government sponsors flight training for students to go to study aeronautics abroad at quite an expensive cost.
During the 2019/2020 academic year, a total of 1,444 Rwandan students went for further studies in the USA.