{"id":56464,"date":"2025-12-04T19:22:37","date_gmt":"2025-12-04T19:22:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/rwanda-launches-nuclear-science-degree-to-strengthen-continental-expertise\/"},"modified":"2025-12-04T19:18:09","modified_gmt":"2025-12-04T19:18:09","slug":"rwanda-launches-nuclear-science-degree-to-strengthen-continental-expertise","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/rwanda-launches-nuclear-science-degree-to-strengthen-continental-expertise\/","title":{"rendered":"Rwanda launches nuclear science degree to strengthen continental expertise"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The four-year programme combines rigorous theoretical training with hands-on experience in state-of-the-art laboratories, including a dedicated Nuclear Science Lab. Students will specialise in areas such as nuclear techniques, health physics, radiation protection, and environmental monitoring, while participating in industrial attachments and research projects that bridge classroom learning with real-world applications.<\/p>\n<p>The inaugural cohort of 52 students, enrolled for the 2025\u20132026 academic year, was selected based on strong backgrounds in mathematics and physics.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis programme is a milestone for Rwanda and Africa,\u201d said Associate Professor Kayihura Muganga Didas, Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Rwanda. \u201cIt will prepare a skilled workforce capable of supporting nuclear reactor operations, medical physics, radiation safety, and other critical applications essential for sustainable development.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The initiative aligns with Rwanda\u2019s national development plans under the second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) and Vision 2050, and complements broader ambitions in nuclear energy and technology. Beyond energy generation, nuclear science applications extend to healthcare, agriculture, water resource management, industry, environmental protection, and national security.<\/p>\n<p>Dr. Fid\u00e8le Ndahayo, CEO of the Rwanda Atomic Energy Board, described the launch as a strategic step in building homegrown expertise. \u201cThis programme equips our young people with the skills and technical competencies to integrate nuclear solutions in energy, health, agricultural, industrial, and environmental sectors,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>The academic programme also supports Rwanda\u2019s plan to establish a nuclear research centre in collaboration with Russia. The centre will focus on producing radioactive materials for cancer diagnosis and treatment, improving agriculture through radiation technologies, and advancing industrial testing methods. Additionally, Rwanda is preparing to host Africa\u2019s first demonstration of a Dual Fluid nuclear reactor and is exploring small modular reactor (SMR) technology to meet the country\u2019s growing energy demands sustainably.<\/p>\n<p>With national energy capacity currently estimated at 650\u2013700 MW, Rwanda needs to boost output to as much as 4.5 GW by 2050 to fuel economic growth.<\/p>\n<p>By producing professionals capable of contributing across energy, healthcare, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and mining sectors, the new BSc in Nuclear Science and Technology positions Rwanda as a continental leader in nuclear innovation, supporting a vision where Africa is a generator, not just a consumer, of advanced nuclear technologies.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-98644 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/g7rde5hxyaedfuc.jpg\" alt=\"The new Nuclear Science programme was launched on Wednesday, December 3, 2025.\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-98647 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/g7rdbdrxoaavlsy.jpg\" alt=\"Dr. Fid\u00e8le Ndahayo, CEO of the Rwanda Atomic Energy Board, described the launch as a strategic step in building homegrown expertise. \" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-98646 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/g7rc5guwcaajb82.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"spip-document spip-document-98645 aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/en-images.igihe.com\/jpg\/g7rc9gjwsaa5hmu.jpg\" alt=\"Ignace Gatare, Principal of the College of Science and Technology (CST) at the University of Rwanda, speaks during the launch.\" \/><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The University of Rwanda (UR), in partnership with the Rwanda Atomic Energy Board (RAEB), on Wednesday, December 3, launched a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Nuclear Science and Technology, marking a significant milestone in Rwanda\u2019s efforts to advance nuclear expertise and innovation across the continent.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":131,"featured_media":2000098649,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[45],"tags":[75],"byline":[170],"hashtag":[],"class_list":["post-56464","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-education","tag-homenews","byline-igihe"],"bylines":[{"id":170,"name":"IGIHE","slug":"igihe","description":"","image":{"id":0,"url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/?s=96&d=mm&f=y&r=g","alt":"Default avatar","title":"Default 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