KIGALI - Improving the quality of graduates from Rwanda’s higher institutions of learning is the responsibility of teachers, students and all other stakeholders.

The proclamation was made during a consultative meeting between representatives of university lecturers and officials of the Ministry of Education.

In his opening remarks, the Minister of Education, Pierre Damien Habumuremyi, said that school authorities were supposed to interact with their students because they are central to their own success:

"There should be continuous interactions in schools with students as one of the ways of improving their quality,” he said.

The minister added that the government was analysing possible adjustments in management of institutions, including students financing schemes, and increasing teachers’ flexibility to teach in various institutions.

Lecturers argued that low salaries and lack of basic academic and research necessities like laboratories were a drawback in their efforts to offer quality education.

"You cannot teach a student on being a successful entrepreneur when you don’t even have a bicycle,” argued Wilson Tumusherure from the Ruhengeri-based INES.

The lecturers also pointed out that many business institutions were always reluctant to offer internships.

Professor Geoffrey Rugege urged the lecturers to introduce journals to publish research or articles on behalf of the students. He said such increase students’ opportunities beyond Rwandan borders.

Meetings between school authorities and the Ministry will be also be held to share ideas on improving on the quality of university graduates.

Ends