Advancing education in Africa: Researchers pledge to reshape for knowledge-based economy

The conference organized by the University of Rwanda- College Of Education (UR-CE), brought together researchers, scholars, educators, policymakers, and postgraduate students from different countries to discuss the future of education and how it can be adjusted to the labor market.

The theme of the conference is held under the theme “Re-thinking Holistic Education for the 4th Industrial Revolution.”

Dr. Mathias Nduwingoma , a lecturer and the Director of the Centre for Open Distance and eLearning (CODeL) at the University of Rwanda, stressed the need for collaboration across different levels, including parents, students, and lecturers, to advance education.

He emphasized that research projects should focus on helping governments and policymakers make informed decisions regarding expertise and technology, and that education should be centered on students to build their capacities.

Olivier Habimana, a lecturer of ICT at UR-CE, stressed the need for deeper research on issues miring the education sector and finding appropriate solutions.

He noted that the government of Rwanda has embarked on a journey to equip lecturers at the College of Education with basic and latest resources to make it possible.

Meanwhile, the Principal of the College of Education, Dr. Florien Nsanganwimana, highlighted that efforts to reshape Rwanda’s education are centered on reinforcing digital penetration and building the capacity of graduates.

He pointed out that the University Of Rwanda- College Of Education has started embracing e-learning where students acquire relevant knowledge to be competent in the labor market.

However, he noted that inadequate equipment and classrooms are among the obstacles to reshaped education and called for research to address other issues affecting education from their root causes.

Françoise Kayitare Tengera, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Finance and Administration at the University of Rwanda, said that the conference’s objective aligns with Rwanda’s agenda 2030.

She disclosed that it serves as an opportunity to discuss various issues aimed at promoting quality education for sustainable development and urged participants to share constructive ideas advancing the cause.