Senior academics from public and private higher learning institutions in the country have signed performance contracts committing to improving the quality of education in their respective institutions.

The about 200 dons signed the performance contracts over the weekend at the conclusion of a week-long civic education training course (Itorero).

 The course was conducted at Gabiro RDF Combat Training Centre in Gatsibo District under the theme; "Higher education at the forefront of national transformation.”

It was facilitated by the National Itorero Commission (NIC).

During the training, participants also reflected on the quality and relevance of the education they offer and other related aspects.

Closing the training, the Minister for Education, Prof. Silas Lwakabamba, challenged the dons to use their knowledge and skills to transform the country’s education sector.

He noted that there was need to improve the capacity of teachers, and teaching methodology to ensure that what the students learn impacts on the community.

Prof. Lwakabamba urged the participants to own the performance contracts.

Dr Marie Christine Gasingirwa, the Director General for Science, Technology and Research at the Ministry of Education, urged participants to work closely with other stakeholders to realise their commitments.

"We need to work together to improve the quality of education through monitoring and evaluation,” said Dr Gasingirwa.

Dr André Muhirwa, the director for academics in charge of quality assurance at the University of Rwanda’s College of Education, said their goal is to produce competent graduates.

"We committed to emphasise practical skills and industrial attachment and develop programmes that are  relevant to the needs of society,” he said.