The State Minister in charge of Technical and Vocational Education and Training, Albert Nsengiyumva, has commended Ruhengeri Institute of Higher Education (INES) for promoting practical skills that are essential in the job market.

 Nsengiyumva was speaking on Wednesday after touring various facilities at the campus, including laboratories and workshops. 

He said what the institution is doing is in line with government’s programme of fostering hands on skills, adding that applied sciences will complement TVETS programmes to enhance self employment and entrepreneurship.

 Currently, INES has around 3,500 students offering programmes such as Statistics,  Biotechnology, Land administration and management, land survey, civil engineering, Applied economics, Enterprises Management and  public administration.

"Your projects lead to the development of the community and the country. We shall ensure that you get the necessary support,” Nsengiyumva said 

He urged Rwandans to embrace practical skills in order to compete favourably on the labour market.

 "Applied sciences aim at solving local problems. We know that over 80 per cent of Rwandans depend on agriculture. We need to employ our skills to ascertain soil nature, and carry out research on land while multiplying seeds to suit  the land,” Nsengiyumva said.

He urged students and the staff  to use their skills  to generate revenue. 

Dr. Fr. Déogratias Niyibizi, the INES rector, said the varsity seeks to help bridge the skills gap.

 He, however,  said some programmes being offered are not accredited by the High Education Council despite the fact that the university submitted the applications long ago. 

Nsengiyumva promised to follow up on the accreditation issue.