Rwanda’s newest private institution of higher learning, the University of Kigali (UoK) on Tuesday opened its doors to the public.  

The university has started with nine programmes for the academic year 2013/2014. 

These include bachelors 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.  

"This institution is out to provide market-oriented degree programmes that blend theory and for practice so that graduates leave ready to compete for the local and international jobs,” said Prof. Manasseh Nshuti, a founding member of the university in his inaugural speech.

According to the prof. Nshuti, 400 out of the 1,000 students expected for the 2013/2014 academic year have already registered. He said that the university staff boasts extensive field experience and professional qualifications, which will help deliver market relevant graduates.

Abdullah Baguma, the director of academic quality at the National Council for Higher Education told The New Times in a previous interview that the university was offered a license after consideration of how it will respond to the country’s education needs and the skills gap question. 

The Kicukiro-based university joins eight other public varsities as well as 13 tertiary institutions already operating in Rwanda.