Following the introduction of faculty of architecture at Kigali Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), the institution has formed a partnership with a German university to facilitate the faculty. KIST signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Technical University of Munich (TUM), which is ranked among the best universities in Germany. KIST Rector Prof Abraham Atta Ogwu explained in an interview the terms in the MoU saying the partnership will only be for the architectural studies. “TUM offers many disciplines but the partnership is only for the architectural department,” he said, adding that the introduction of architectural school at KIST mainly influenced the partnership. “The fact that TUM is among the best universities in Germany will enormously help in uplifting the standards of our newly initiated architectural department,” he realized. Among the benefits expected from the partnership, is exchange of staff as need arises. “Lecturers from TUM will be coming to teach our students as part of this partnership,” he said revealing that already, three lecturers from the university have shown interest and plans are underway for them to come. Other benefits from the cooperation include having Rwandan students travel to Germany for their internship while local lecturers will be going to the university to further their studies. According to KIST Vice Rector, John Mshana, the partnership between the two institutions will also help KIST gain more international recognition. IST recently started a faculty of architecture and environmental planning to produce enough skilled personnel to supply the country’s labour market. Ends
