For a select group of exceptional students from the University of Kigali (UoK), February 2025 marks a significant milestone in their academic journey.
Chosen on the basis of academic merit, these students have been granted a prestigious opportunity to participate in an exchange programme at the University of Nicosia in Cyprus.
For many, this will be their first experience travelling beyond Rwanda and boarding an aeroplane. The excitement is palpable as they prepare to embark on this life-changing adventure.
The exchange initiative, a collaborative effort between the two universities, aims to provide students with international exposure, academic enrichment, and cultural exchange. This opportunity will enable them to broaden their perspectives, experience diverse educational methodologies, and establish global networks that will shape their professional futures.
Expressing her joy at the prospect of her first flight, Sabina Gitarama, one of the selected students, said: “This will be an unforgettable experience! I can hardly believe I will be flying. I am confident that this programme will have a profound impact on my life, and I am eager to learn and grow in Cyprus.”
The selection process for this esteemed programme is strictly merit-based, ensuring that only the most hardworking and dedicated students benefit. The University of Kigali has reaffirmed its commitment to academic excellence by maintaining a fair and transparent selection process that rewards effort and dedication.
Athanase Gakire, a parent of one of the chosen students, commended the University of Kigali for its approach. “I am grateful to the university for providing an equal opportunity to all students based on merit. This motivates our children to work hard, knowing that their efforts will be recognised. I strongly encourage other students to apply to UoK because of its commitment to excellence and the international opportunities it offers.”
The students will spend several months at the University of Nicosia, engaging in coursework, research, and cultural immersion.
The programme is expected to strengthen the partnership between the two institutions and open further avenues for future collaborations.
As the students embark on this transformative journey, they carry with them not only their academic ambitions but also the hopes and aspirations of their families and university.
Their achievements will serve as an inspiration for future cohorts, demonstrating that hard work and dedication can open doors to global opportunities.
Professor Felix Maringe, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Institutional Development, Research & Innovation (IDRI), emphasised the programme’s significance: “This exchange initiative is designed to provide students with international exposure, academic enrichment, and cultural exchange.
It offers them a unique opportunity to broaden their perspectives, experience diverse educational methodologies, and build global networks that will shape their professional futures. At the University of Kigali, we are committed to equipping our students with the skills and experiences necessary to thrive in a globalised world.”
CPA Dorcas Kamau, Director of International Affairs and Partnerships, echoed this sentiment: “As these students begin their journey in Cyprus, they are paving the way for future cohorts to dream bigger and aim higher. The University of Kigali remains dedicated to fostering global academic excellence, ensuring that its students are not only educated but also globally competitive and career-ready. For ambitious students seeking international exposure and academic excellence, our university is a gateway to a world of opportunities.”
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.
