Editor,

I read with interest the story in yesterday’s issue of The New Times about the newly appointed Rector of Kigali Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) Dr. Jean de Arc Mujawamariya and her plans to transform the university into a financially independent institution.

I do believe that this is very possible. It has happened in our neighbouring countries where universities come up with strategies to generate revenues.

This does not only reduce the budget pressures on the government but also ensures that what government allocates the institution is complimented by the generated revenues.

KIST has what it takes, in terms of potential and expertise, to offer paid-for services to the public, from the faculty to students. At the same time, the university has a huge base of reliable partners who would help fund different programs and projects.

My call to Mujawamariya is that while she focuses on making the institution financially sustainable, it should not be forgotten that we also need to tremendously improve the quality of education and of our graduates.

Like the Head of State said recently during his visit to KIST, the quality of graduates we send out there will determine how competitive we can be in the market, locally and internationally.

George Kayibanda
Newcastle
England