The University of Kigali is currently inviting applicants for several degree programmes for the academic year 2013/14 after it was awarded a definitive operating license.The newest private institution of higher learning boasts nine programmes for the academic year 2013/2014. These include bachelor of Commerce, economics, accounting, finance, law, business information technology, information technology, computer science and procurement. The programmes are offered in three categories of full-time, evening and weekends.  Founded by former Cabinet minister Prof Manasseh Nshuti, Afrika Philibert and Jean Marie Vianney Kamiya Hakizimana, the University of Kigali plans to introduce six other bachelor’s programmes for 2014/15 academic year, as well as three Masters Degree programmes in business administration, commerce and science in computer-based information systems. "The university was offered a license after consideration of how it will respond to the country’s education needs and answer to the skills gap question. We also considered their long-term plan in providing insurance for longevity; the council (NCHE) will closely monitor its expected delivery,” Abdullah Baguma, the director of academic quality at the National Council for Higher Education, said yesterday.Proposed programmes, due September 2014, are bachelors of Architecture, Business administration, Science in Sociology, Social Works and Social Administration, as well as Project Planning and Management.  "We have designed a first class university that will offer highest quality programmes designed to empower our young graduates with rare skills and thus capacity necessary for the job market,” Prof. Nshuti said."We blend our degree programmes with professional programmes such CPA, ACCA, CFA and CISM, which reinforces the degrees we offer to international standards,” he added."As Rwandan investors in education, we have not only the experience but also the capacity to give the very best to our brothers and sisters, as well as international students,” Hakizimana added.The Kicukiro-based university joins eight other public varsities as well as 13 tertiary institutions already operating in Rwanda.