The government’s move to have the School of Finance and Banking (SFB) produce a new kind of professional through a revised system would not have come at a better time.

SFB’s Chairman of the Board of Directors, Prof Manasseh Nshuti, announced that the school would soon be compelling all its graduates to do a professional course in their respective disciplines, as a way of ensuring that they are ready to compete on the labour market.

The additional courses, as well as the regular first degree will, according to Prof. Nshuti, be funded by the government.

This is a policy that other higher institutions of learning should seriously consider adopting, given the fact that Rwanda is now fully integrated in the East African Community.

Additionally, this will not only contribute to having a more skilled workforce for Rwanda, but will also enable Rwandans to compete for jobs on the regional market.

The country’s prime resource is its people, inspite of the high population growth rate. This population, through carefully harnessed initiatives should be our niche on the regional market.

The reforms at SFB will be championed by Dr Ried Whitlock, a man well known for his vast experience in encouraging Rwandan youths to be hands-on professionals, as part of his work at On The Frontier (OTF) Group.

OTF has facilitated young Rwandan graduates from various universities within and outside the country, with leadership skills through the Academy for Leadership and Competitiveness Programme, which has benefitted hundreds of young professionals.

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