University of Rwanda Alumni have been urged to give back to their Alma mater- through the University of Rwanda Solidarity and Development Foundation (URSDF) that was formed in 2013.

The call was made during the launch of the Medicine and Health Science Alumni Chapter on December 13 at the Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village (KCEV).

Alumni chapters are formed on the principle that they can make a difference to each other and their community. They organize a wide range of social and networking events, as well as educational, charitable and community activities.

The Chief Justice, Faustin Ntezilyayo, a University of Rwanda alumnus, is convinced that they are a huge resource to the university.

"I am very convinced that collectively, the alumni of this university represent a tremendous force and a huge resource that should enable the University of Rwanda to become one of the great universities in Africa and beyond.”

"In particular, we are all mindful that studying at university involves high financial costs including; tuition, accommodation, meals, transport, and academic materials. Many brilliant, but needy students, struggle to meet these financial costs, and fail to pursue their educational dreams.”

Chief Justice, Faustin Ntezilyayo, a University of Rwanda alumnus speaks at the event. / Courtesy

He further explained that the alumni have the power to change, and that they should commit to that.

Charles Murigande, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Institutional Advancement explained that in universities globally, alumni play a critical role in advancing the fortunes of a higher institution of learning.

(URSDF) was created in 2013 to complement funding from the Government and development partners.

The immediate aim of the foundation is to support smart but disadvantaged students and also have sufficient financial resources to enable it contribute to improve the teaching, learning, research, social and extra-curricular infrastructures of UR.

"Some of you have had opportunities to visit some universities in America, Europe, and have seen big buildings like a library or a laboratory built by alumni, so, we hope that we shall reach there, but let us start by addressing these social needs that are among our students”, Muligande said.

Philip Cotton, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Rwanda said the College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS) comprises of 13 percent of all University of Rwanda students, yet they have more professors than all other five faculties combined.

Jeanne Kagwiza, Ag. Principal of the CMHS said that students enrolled in CMHS in both undergraduate and postgraduate programs in the year 2019/2020 are 3,999.

They have graduated 7,440 students since 2014, in both undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

The evening also saw the executive committee of the Medicine and Allied Sciences Chapter elected; Albert Nzayisenga being the chair, André Gitembagara the Vice Chair, and Marie Claire Gasanganwa as Secretary.

Other alumni chapters are also expected to be created in the near future.