50 KIE students complete online masters programmes

Fifty people graduated at Kigali Institute of Education (KIE), on Friday, upon successful completion of their studies in Tele-Education courses. Forty-eight of them were awarded Masters – 26 in Finance and Control, and 22 in MBA International Business. Two others received Postgraduate Diplomas in Information Technology. The Tele-Education programmes are offered in partnership with Indian Universities, including Amity University, Indira Gandhi National Open University, and University of Madras, by use of the latest V-SAT technology. “It has been challenging to some of us to go for further studies abroad or even in local universities, but this system has facilitated even those outside urban areas to further their education,” said Valentine Niwemukobwa, one of the graduates and a UNDP employee. She noted that, due to busy work schedules, some people find it challenging to undertake fulltime courses, pointed out that e-learning programmes have helped address issues. Other students who spoke to The Sunday Times said the system has enabled them to share information from their counterparts in various universities. V-SAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) technology is a telecommunications system that uses wireless satellites and, among others, has capacity to facilitate long distance learning The coordinator of Tele-Education at KIE, Irénée Ndayambaje, told journalists that the programme is attracting more students. “Compared to the five who graduated last year, the current trend is testimony that more people have realized the advantages of this programme,” Ndayambaje said. KIE vice Rector, Prof. Wenceslas Nzabarirwa, commended the programme, adding that his institution would strengthen ties with Indian universities institutions of higher learning, among others. Supported by the Indian government, the e-learning centre at KIE is operated by the Pan African e-Network. Other tertiary institutions offering the same course, within the region and beyond, held similar graduations the same day – events that were coordinated by the V-SAT technology. They include Makerere University of Uganda, Kwame Nkrumah (Ghana), Botswana College of Distance and Open Learning, and the University of Malawi. grace.mugoya@newtimes.co.rw