Three Senate candidates vying for the seat of the representative of public universities launched their campaign trail at the University of Rwanda's Huye Campus on Thursday, September 5, pledging to help find solutions to issues of inadequate research funding and living conditions of academic staff, among other challenges.

The three senatorial candidates vying for the seat of the representatives of public universities have promised to cater for the existing challenge of inadequate academic quality in higher learning institutions particularly in University of Rwanda.

The candidates are the Associate Professors including Telesphore Ngarambe, Anne Marie Kagwisagye, and Professor Evariste Ntakirutimana each presented compelling platforms that highlighted the critical needs and challenges facing Rwanda’s higher education sector.

While launching their campaign trail at the University of Rwanda's Huye Campus on Thursday, September 5, the Senate candidates addressed the voters at the University of Rwanda Huye Campus, outlining their visions for advancing research, education, and staff welfare.

Students and staff from various institutions, including the Rwanda Polytechnic's Kitabi and Huye campuses as well as the Institute of Legal Practice and Development (ILPD) gathered to hear from the three esteemed candidates vying to represent public universities and higher learning institutions in the Senate.

Associate Professor Telesphore Ngarambe, a leading candidate, said his ambitious agenda is to champion increased funding for academic research, an area he believes is essential for national progress.

He argued that despite significant strides in academics, there is still much more to be done to transform Rwanda into a research-driven nation.

"Our universities must become hubs of innovation," Ngarambe stated, adding that “To do this, we need stronger financial support for research, especially in fields that directly contribute to Rwanda's development goals."

Ngarambe emphasized the importance of postgraduate scholarships advocating for increased access to these opportunities to ensure that Rwanda retains its best minds.

Additionally, Ngarambe pointed out the need for stronger ties between academia and industry. "Collaboration between universities and the private sector is key to ensuring that our graduates are not only employable but are also equipped to solve real-world problems," he said.

His pledge involved fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, which he believes will enhance the ability of institutions to tackle complex national challenges.

Like her counterpart, Anne Marie Kagwesagye’s agenda also focuses on research and the holistic well-being of both students and higher learning institution’s staff.

She highlighted the need to create a supportive environment where academic staff can thrive and students can reach their full potential.

"The well-being of our educators and students must be prioritized.

A well-supported academic community is essential to producing high-quality research and education outcomes," Kagwesagye remarked.

Professor Evariste Ntakirutimana's address focused on enhancing the quality of education across the board. He underlined the need for continuous improvement in teaching methods and curriculum development ensuring that Rwanda’s graduates are prepared to compete on the global stage.

"Quality education is the backbone of any nation's progress," Ntakirutimana asserted. "We must ensure that our institutions are delivering the best education possible, with rigorous standards that prepare our students for the future."

In addition to improving education quality, Ntakirutimana committed to promoting language proficiency particularly in English and French, as key drivers of Rwanda’s integration into the global economy.

Ntakirutimana also echoed the importance of staff well-being pledging to create conditions that support educators’ personal and professional growth.

While the candidates' visions may differ, their shared commitment to advancing Rwanda's higher learning institutions reflects the high stakes of the senate's ambitions.