GICUMBI - Byumba Polytechnic Institute (IPB), yesterday, named 17 new board members.

Prof. Anastase Shyaka is the new Chairman of the institute’s Board of Directors, replacing the long serving Bishop of Byumba Catholic Diocese, Servilien Nzakamwita.

Dr.Fidele Ndahayo, a lecturer at the National University of Rwanda (NUR), is the new second vice chairman while Bank of Kigali-Gicumbi branch manager, Allen Muhongayire, is the third vice chairperson.

The Rector of IPB, Prof. Faustin Nyombayire, retained his post of Secretary.

"I pledge to work hand-in-hand with the lecturers and students to develop standards of education at IPB,” said Prof. Shyaka.

He added that he will strive to groom the institute to international standards, where foreign students will also pursue higher studies.

The Bishop Nzakamwita promised to render advice to the new Board members whenever requested.

"I shall always be available to advice the new board members so as to develop education standards at IPB,” said Nzakamwita.

Prof. Nyombayire said the institute is the brainchild of Byumba Development Association (ADB).

"IPB is a community institution, supported by both Byumba Catholic and Anglican Church Dioceses,” he said.

He also revealed that development partners from France have pledged to build agriculture and environmental protection laboratories at the institute in order to avail technical skills to many Rwandans.

"IPB was registered by the Ministry of Education as an institution of higher learning in 2004 and got a permanent operating license last year,” he added. 

IPB Board of Directors is composed of the representatives of the Institute’s heads of faculties, lecturers, members of the Private Sector Federation (PSF) and students.

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