The cabinet on February 27 approved the draft law governing the University of Rwanda (UR) and the draft law governing Rwanda Polytechnic (RP), and it is now set to be deliberated by parliament.
Delphin Munanira, a legal affairs specialist at the Ministry of Education (MINEDUC), told The New Times that the main goal of the amendments is to allow UR and RP to, among others, operate under similar structures, functions, and have financial autonomy.
The draft law determines the organisation of education and ensures effective operations and harmonisation between UR and RP as public institutions of higher learning.
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Among the proposed changes for UR, Munanira highlighted the expansion of UR colleges.
Currently housing six colleges, UR will see the establishment of a seventh college specialising in veterinary and animal sciences, located in Nyagatare District.
The current College of Agriculture, Animal Sciences, and Veterinary Medicine (CAVM) will undergo restructuring, resulting in the creation of two distinct entities; the College of Agriculture and the College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences. The changes aim to bolster the production of qualified veterinary doctors.
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Munanira pointed out that the UR Huye campus will host three colleges. Each college will be led by a principal only, and the entire campus will be managed by a resident principal to oversee campus administration.
"Huye campus will adopt a model where the resident principal manages activities and acts as the chief budget manager for both colleges. The remaining colleges located in other districts shall have, each, a principal and deputy principal,” he said.
Regarding RP, Munanira mentioned a proposed name change from Integrated Polytechnic Regional Centres (IPRCs), to colleges, reflecting a shift in terminology and significance.
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Additionally, Munanira said, the draft law seeks to rationalise the locations of UR colleges to prevent unnecessary relocations, aiming for operational efficiency.
The amendments aim to grant UR and RP autonomy in specific procurement procedures to expedite the process of tenders related to teaching, learning, and research facilities in particular.
"This autonomy is crucial to prevent delays in acquiring necessary resources for academic purposes,” Munanira explained.