The Ministry of Education last week suspended operations of four universities and some courses in six other institutions over inadequate staff and teaching facilities. The action, which the ministry said is part of efforts geared at ensuring quality of higher education, should be applauded by all well-meaning educators and Rwandans.

Many a time employers have complained about lack of skills among graduates churned out by universities and other higher learning institutions. The situation has over the years forced some firms to import labour from the region and elsewhere, which increases operational costs. Therefore, the move by the ministry has come at an opportune time and will, hopefully go a long way in addressing this and other challenges affecting higher education training.

The Education minister Papias Musafiri said the decision followed quality audits that found out that the affected institutions had failed to fulfill laws and regulations governing higher learning education in the country.

This should, therefore, help end the habit by some entrepreneurs who think they can set up training institutions without providing the necessary facilities, personnel and infrastructure. It should also serve as a strong warning to sector entrepreneurs focused on making money and not contributing to the country’s skills development goals.

Considering that the suspension affected innocent students and parents, the ministry must strengthen its inspectorate and other concerned divisions to continue to work with the affected universities and institutions to achieve the minimum standards and guidelines. This could enable universities to build their capacities across the board to avoid such scenarios. In addition, higher learning institutions should stop taking students and parents for granted by failing to follow guidelines given by the sector regulator.

However, students and parents need to always watch out and investigate universities before they apply to avoid such inconveniences.