The University of Kigali has reached an understanding with Strathmore University of Nairobi to collaborate in various academic disciplines.

Under the deal inked yesterday in Kigali, the two universities will offer joint business courses, offer educational training services and exchange lecturers and students, among others.

Speaking after the signing ceremony, Dr George Njenga, the vice-chancellor and dean of Strathmore University said it’s time for Africa to build institutions that will transform the continent.

"Africa has not had time to modernise its economy. We have agrarian economies based on subsistence farming,” he said.

Dr Njenga said it was imperative to build African education institutions and strengthen our education systems before thinking about education abroad.

"If one is looking for good education, they  have to go abroad. If we all run away from Africa, who will educate Africans. Having such institutions like the University of Kigali and  having Rwandans studying here is the only way we can transform Africa,” he said.

Prof. Manasseh Nshuti, one of the founders and promoters of the new university said under the understanding, their university is expected to gain more resource materials to improve the quality of education it offers.

 "It is great partnering with Strathmore University. It helps us build capacity of our lecturers and students,” he said.

Dr. Alfred Nuwagaba, the vice-chancellor of the University of Kigali, said the partnership with Strathmore University shows the former’s determination to offer quality education.

"The MoU signed today between the University of Kigali and Strathmore University heralds the beginning of a partnership that will see the quality of education, training, and consultancy boosted in Rwanda, which will greatly contribute to national development,” he said. 

Grace Uwase, a first year student at the University, said their cooperation with one of the top business universities in Africa will help them acquire more skills to compete in the labour market.

"This cooperation will take us to another level of critical thinking. My dream is to excel as an accountant student,” she said.

Strathmore University is one of the highest ranked business universities (at 20th position) in Africa. It started in 1961. In the past ten years, 60 per cent of certified public accountant finalists in Kenya have trained at this institution.