The Kigali Institute of Management (KIM) and the Gitwe Higher Institute of Education are now fully accredited institutions of higher learning.

According to the Rector of KIM, Prof. Daniel M. Oruoch, the accreditation is an opportunity for the institute to continuously improve its programmes and ensure graduates are skilled.

"We are grateful to the government whose vision and rigour has made this possible,” said Oruoch.

The two institutions assumed the new status last week after cabinet approval.

The definitive operating license means that the institutions are now allowed to award degrees.

The LIM rector promised to maintain academic excellence and professionalism in the effort to contribute towards the bridging of the skills gap in the country.

Speaking to The New Times, Richard Mushumba, a second year student at KIM expressed his gratitude about the development.

"It gives me courage to work even harder because I know at the end of the day, I will be able to get a degree,” said Mushumba, adding that lack of accreditation was a hindrance.

KIM began its operations in 2006 while Gitwe, which is situated in the Southern Province was set up in 2003.

With these out of the way, Rwanda Tourism University College (RTUC) remains the only higher institute of education without a full operating license.

Ends